The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressing apprehensions about the potential closure of Dabolim International Airport. The GCCI highlighted a significant 20% decline in passenger footfall and the relocation of international airlines to the new Manohar International Airport, Mopa, posing a threat to stakeholders’ livelihoods. Fears intensified with Qatar Airlines announcing the discontinuation of flights and a planned shift to Mopa from June 19.
In the letter, GCCI called for a halt to further airline relocations to Mopa, emphasising that major operations ceasing at Dabolim could trigger a chain reaction leading to the closure of other services and ultimately the airport. The industry body seeks a meeting with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, airline representatives, and local communities, to find solutions to ensure the continuity and growth of Dabolim Airport.
Additionally, GCCI advocates for an alignment of user development charges (UDF) for both Mopa and Dabolim airports. It also urges improvements in user facilities at Dabolim, encompassing better upkeep, aesthetics, enhanced transport facilities, faster clearances, and improved turnarounds. Presently, Dabolim’s UDF is higher than Mopa’s, with the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) hiking Dabolim’s UDF to Rs 1,791 for 2025-26, compared to Mopa’s Rs 840. The Airport Authority of India has also raised parking fees for aircraft at Dabolim by 40% annually. GCCI believes that rationalising UDF and other charges, coupled with facility improvements, will attract more stakeholders to Dabolim, fostering its overall development.
