Last flight was in Oct last year: Airport Director
VASCO
In yet another blow to the Goa International Airport at Dabolim, the SpiceJet has stopped operations from the Dabolim Airport.
Goa International Airport Director Dhananjaya Rao, however, said it had been six months that the SpiceJet had stopped operating from the Goa Airport.
“SpiceJet has closed down operations and they last operated from this airport probably in October last year. Since then, they are not operating from here and it is their business decision,” said Rao.
“By October end last year, they were operating only about one or two flights per day and they finally stopped operating from here and they are not operating now,” said Rao.
SpiceJet is among the growing number of airlines switching operations from Dabolim airport to Mopa airport.
As far as international flights are concerned, Oman Air and Air India have already shifted operations to Mopa airport, while Qatar Airways will do so with effect from June 20.
‘Misconception that Dabolim airport is costly to operate’
VASCO: Goa International Airport Director Dhananjaya Rao refuted claims that airlines find Dabolim Airport costlier to operate.
“There is a lot of misconception, with even some news articles stating that Dabolim Airport is costlier to operate, which is absolutely wrong. Wrong messages and false information are being spread that is damaging the Dabolim Airport’s prospects. In fact, the UDF charges and the operating costs at Dabolim Airport is lower as compared to other airports,” said Rao.
“I am not a political person, but Dabolim Airport will continue to grow and operational facilities will continue to improve. This airport has a very good potential. We have good operations and also a very good schedule of flights operating at Goa Airport.”
