Many plan to “dump” Qatar Airways, switch to other airlines as Dabolim considered more convenient for those hailing from South Goa
The Goa International Airport at Dabolim.
Photo Credits: A.Savin, Wikipedia
PANAJI
There has been growing disappointment among Goans in different parts of the world, following the decision of Qatar Airways to relocate its operations from the Goa International Airport (GOI) at Dabolim to the Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa with effect from June 20.
Qatar Airways, which began operations in Goa in 2009, is expected to continue its daily direct flight schedule along this route and will provide connectivity to passengers travelling to over 170 destinations in its network.
Several Global Goenkars have voiced dismay and anger over this decision to shift to Mopa airport, especially since Qatar Airways has been the preferred airline on account of its superior service and connectivity.
Many are now planning to switch to other airlines as Dabolim is considered more convenient to those Goans hailing from South Goa.
GOANS WILL DUMP QATAR AIRWAYS
Bella Fernandes, a member of the North London Goans Committee and Margao Union UK, said she was a “very disappointed passenger of Qatar Airways.”
“What a disappointment to hear that Qatar Airways, which I always rated as one of the best airlines to fly to Goa, is all set to relocate its operations from Dabolim to Mopa,” remarked Bella.
“My family and friends always made Qatar Airways as our first choice to fly to Goa and enjoyed many trips landing at Dabolim airport. It’s convenient, close to home and an airport we only know of since childhood.”
“It makes me sad to know that I will have to choose another airline to fly to Goa which will land in Dabolim. The iconic and historic airport one can’t betray! There will be a lot of Goans dumping Qatar Airways for another airline to be loyal to our beloved Dabolim airport.”
“Dabolim airport is convenient for people from both north Goa and South Goa. Travelling from Mopa airport to our destination in South Goa after spending almost 15 hours on the flight is going to be very exhausting. I just hope that Qatar airline takes note of the grievance caused by this move and takes into account the loss of business it will face,” said Bella.
OPERATE BOTH AIRPORTS
Lui Godinho, a journalist based in London, said he and his family were sorely disappointed with Qatar Airways for deciding to shift operations to Mopa airport and felt the airline can easily cater to both airports.
“I have been a regular flyer with Qatar Airways ever since it began operations to and from Goa. The issue can easily be resolved if Qatar Airways can operate at both airports in Dabolim and Mopa on alternate days, thereby catering to people from North and South Goa.”
“If, however, Qatar Airways sticks with its decision to operate only from Mopa, we will seriously consider switching to other airlines for better connectivity between London and Dabolim,” said Lui.
DABOLIM SYSTEMATICALLY TARGETED
Anthony Andrade, a purchase officer in Sydney, claimed that for the majority of Goans, Dabolim has always been the default airport.
“Traffic snarls in Goa also mean that Goans should have the airport as convenient as possible. When a large section of Goans reiterated that they want Dabolim to continue with the usual flights, the chief minister and the government assured that it would be so,” said Anthony.
“Mopa has been controversial from day one beginning with the massive destruction it has inflicted on pristine Goan land. Now it seems that in a move to boost passenger footfall in order to boost commercial activity and real estate prices around Mopa in Goa and Maharashtra, Dabolim is being systematically targeted for a passenger traffic shutdown.”
“This has to be addressed at once by the government by taking it up with the airlines to continue flights as usual to and from Dabolim airport. Mopa will gradually get more activity as travel increases but it should never be at the cost of Dabolim,” Anthony added.
SOUTH GOA TO BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED
Joyce De Souza, a social worker who was recently elected as Constituency of the Labour Party (CLP) Women’s Officer in the Labour Party of Brent West Parliamentary Constituency, an area in North West London, said this was a “disguised plan by the government and its long-term plan to completely shut down Dabolim Airport by decreasing operations at Dabolim.”
“The increase of user charges at Dabolim Airport is done deliberately to support the plan to shut down Dabolim Airport in the long run. People in South Goa will be adversely affected as the distance to travel will be more, if they have no choice to travel from Dabolim Airport.”
“The effects of this will be borne by hotel/restaurant owners, taxi drivers, shack owners, etc. I hope that no other airlines move their operations away from Dabolim airport just like Qatar Airways. I really wish that Goans can choose their destination as Dabolim or Mopa. Qatar Airways is preferred by many Goans who will be forced to land in Mopa, if they choose the airlines,” said Joyce.
NOT A GOOD DECISION
Elvis Fernandes, another social worker who recently got elected as delegate to the Constituency of the Labour Party (CLP) Brent West Parliamentary constituency, said shutting down operations of the Dabolim airport is not a good decision.
“The government had this in mind, many years before. During that time as then Canacona Congress Block President, I had arranged for a meeting in Palolem by asking the general public and the stakeholders like taxi drivers, restaurant and shack owners to attend the meeting.”
“To create awareness of the disadvantages to South Goa, I had invited Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai to the meeting. Canacona Councillor Simon Rebello had also supported the cause. I urge Goans to be vigilant of every step taken by the government to slow down operations at Dabolim airport. This will definitely affect Goan tourism business,” said Elvis.
STOP FALSE PROMISES ABOUT DABOLIM
Roland Francis, a financial advisor based in Toronto-Canada, pointed out that once a new airport with better facilities from the Airlines’ point of view was built in Goa, it would be unrealistic to expect them not to relocate there.
“Nothing can stop Dabolim become an airport of only second resort. However, the authorities should have long ago shown some guts by being upfront with the people of Salcete on this and stopped making false promises about Dabolim,” said Roland.
IS THERE HIDDEN MOTIVE?
Blaise Fernandes, a research scientist based in Adelaide, said it made no sense for Goans to accept changing from Dabolim to Mopa.
“Airlines are shifting their operations from Dabolim to Mopa, seemingly on their own volition. But when the majority of travellers find Dabolim well-suited, is there some hidden motive of local commercial gain in fueling this move,” asked Blaise.
“It is worth very clearly noting that the Mopa airport is literally on the northern border of Goa. The north-eastern tip of the Mopa airport is only about 10 metres, note, only about10 metres and not 10 km from the Maharashtra-Goa border!”
“How does it make sense for Goans to accept changing from Dabolim to Mopa? What about the people of Canacona and even Karwar and surrounding areas? The Mopa airport was ill-conceived but as it stands, for Goans, especially from central and south Goa, Dabolim is the default airport.”
“The government should kindly note this and keep to its assurance that Dabolim will remain operational as the primary airport for Goa,” he added.
A number of Global Goenkars believe that Mopa airport offers better facilities for airlines and passengers alike, but they have admitted concerns over travelling to and from South Goa.
Egidio Moniz, a Goan agronomist based in Brazil, opined that Mopa airport in Goa is a blessing for Goans.
“Mopa airport is a modern airport and we needed it to substitute the Dabolim airport which has limitations for civilian flights,” said Egidio.
“But we have a temporary problem which the new airport authorities have to resolve immediately. Transport between Mopa and South Goa has become a big problem. Very cumbersome and expensive. Taxi fares are high. I suggest there should be a constant shuttle service from Mopa to some major towns in South Goa,” he added.
Conrad Dalgado, a Cybersecurity BME/ICT IT professional based in Singapore, said Mopa airport is the ideal choice for civilian/commercial flights to support increased capacity requirements, and is installed with latest facilities for a pleasant customers experience.
“Dabolim airport had previously served both civilian/commercial and military utilisation with several disadvantages that hindered the growing air travel demands for flights and flexible schedules for passengers,” said Conrad.
“Nevertheless, few concerns which may eventually surface will be travelling to and from Mopa airport if authorities do not consider route planning with contingency redundant routes.”
“Proper planning involves improvised roads, public amenities/facilities with continuous maintenance, security-related concerns in collaboration with Goa police to ensure security is not compromised by anti-social elements to disrupt public services travelling using the available routes via the villages.”
“I prefer Mopa airport as it is closer to my house in Siolim, which saves me travel time by 50% (usual travel time is 1 hr 30 mins) and reduced taxi fares to reach my destination,” said Conrad.
