Goemkarponn Exclusive
SURAJ NANDREKAR/
Goemkarponn
PANAJI: After Minister Mauvin Godinho dropped a bomb hinting at the closure of Dabolim airport once Mopa starts operating, one wonders whether the statement was just a coincidence or an indication of curtains on Dabolim airport.
Being a member of the GST Council, Govt of India, Mauvin Godinho’s comments cannot be taken lightly simply because teh Body (GST Council) has a lot of influence on the finances of different ministries.
While digging into the issue, Goemkarponn laid its hands on the Airport Economic Regulator Authority order, which even before Mopa begins operations, approved ad hoc aeronautical charges tariff order that includes user development fee (UDF) of Rs 450 and Rs 1,100 per departing domestic and international passenger, respectively.
This is the first indication that without the closure of Dabolim, Mopa will not survive.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA)’s ad hoc tariff order for GMR-developed Goa International Airport Ltd (GIAL), Mopa – which is expected to open next month – explains the issue the secondary facility will face.
The order states that GMR intends to start the operation of domestic flights from November 1, 2022, and International Flights from January 1, 2023.
“Government of India had decided to close down the operational airports (in Bengaluru and Hyderabad)… to make sure the benefit of traffic is available exclusively to (the new) airports. On the other hand, Goa International
Airport Ltd (GIAL), Mopa, shall entail a new beginning in airport infrastructure development and competition as it shall involve two airports in the vicinity of Dabolim and
Mopa – competing with each other for the same traffic.” the order, a copy of which is in possession of Goemkarponn, states.
“Authority is conscious of the view that GIAL, Mopa, shall have its challenges and uncertainties at least in initial stages due to competition, unknowns about shifting of traffic and response of the airlines.” the ad
hoc tariff order says.
AERA has approved an ad hoc aeronautical charges tariff order that includes user development fee (UDF) of Rs 450 and Rs 1,100 per departing domestic and international passengers, respectively, from Mopa till
March 31, 2023 or the final determination of regular traffic, whichever is earlier.
The CMR Group, which has developed Mopa, had proposed a UDF of Rs 980 and Rs 1,500. The authority felt “the proposal of the airport operator is on a higher
side and needs to be moderated.”
Explaining the difference between tariff orders being issued for second airports that will now start opening and the past, AERA says the existing airports in Bengaluru (HAL) and Hyderabad (Begumpet) were closed for commercial flights when new ones opened
there in 2009 and 2008, respectively, and accordingly, the government had approved ad hoc tariffs those new airports then.
