PANAJI: Goa’s air travel operations plunged into turmoil over the last 24 hours, with more than 50 flights cancelled at Dabolim Airport alone, leaving several thousand passengers stranded and intensifying public outrage during the peak tourist season.
The worst-hit sectors include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Indore, Coimbatore, Bhopal and Raipur, with airline cancellations affecting both arrivals and departures. IndiGo accounted for the majority of the disruptions, including 31 cancellations on Friday, according to the latest airport bulletin.
Passengers arriving at the airport throughout the day reported receiving no advance communication, leading to confusion, panic and swelling crowds at the IndiGo service counters. The helpdesk witnessed long, congested queues, emotional breakdowns and heated arguments as staff struggled to manage the mounting complaints.
Airport authorities had to call in CISF and local police officials to control the situation as crowds spilled across the terminal. Police personnel were seen pacifying agitated travellers and directing them to waiting areas as tensions rose.
Senior citizens, families with children, those on medical travel and passengers with international connections were among the worst impacted. Many said that their entire travel plans had collapsed, with some missing court hearings, surgeries and onward flights from metro hubs.
The crisis, unfolding during a holiday month when Goa sees its highest tourist influx, has triggered widespread backlash on social media. Affected passengers have urged aviation authorities to intervene and demand accountability from airlines for the large-scale disruption and lack of timely communication.
Despite efforts from airport management, hundreds continued to remain stuck late into the night, with limited alternatives available due to high seasonal demand.
