* Official says Kuwait Airways shown interest in Dabolim airport * Reports indicate Oman Air, Qatar Airways considering a dual-airport operation model potentially resuming flights at Dabolim while maintaining services at Mopa
The Goa International Airport at Dabolim.
Photo Credits: A.Savin, Wikipedia
VASCO
Once the primary gateway for international travellers to and from the State, the Goa International Airport at Dabolim is facing a significant decline in international flight operations.
With most international airlines having shifted base to the newly established Manohar International Airport at Mopa, the future of Dabolim Airport has become a subject of heated debate among politicians, industry stakeholders, and locals.
Despite the uncertainty, Dabolim Airport is hopeful of a revival amid indications that three international carriers have shown interest in Dabolim airport.
Shifting to Mopa
At present, only Gulf Air and Air India Express continue to operate international flights from Dabolim, following the exit of several major carriers such as Air India, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Air Arabia, and SriLankan Airlines.
While SriLankan Airlines terminated flights to and from Dabolim airport well before Mopa airport began operations, other airlines have shifted operations to Mopa, further reducing Dabolim’s international connectivity.
The loss of Air India’s Goa-Gatwick service, which shifted to Mopa in July 2023, was cited as an early indication of Dabolim airport’s gradual decline.
Oman Air decided to shift operations to Mopa airport in October 2023, while Qatar Airways exited from Dabolim airport in June 2024.
By July 2024, Air Arabia became the latest airline to finalise plans to shift operations from Dabolim to Mopa, reinforcing fears that the shift was a political move rather than based on market decisions.
Qatar Airways transported passengers between Dabolim and Doha from 2009 to June 20, 2024.
Concerns over Dabolim
The exodus of international airlines from Dabolim airport sparked concerns among stakeholders in South Goa, particularly taxi operators, hoteliers, and travel agencies that rely on tourist footfalls at Dabolim. Many feared that this shift was a slow but deliberate move toward making Dabolim airport obsolete.
The controversy intensified when the Congress accused the State government of pressuring international airlines to relocate to Mopa, alleging an attempt to phase out Dabolim Airport in favour of the Mopa airport.
Warning that Dabolim would soon turn into a “ghost airport”, the Congress accused the government of prioritising Mopa airport over the needs of Goans, particularly South Goa residents who preferred Dabolim’s convenient location.
Concerns are growing as cargo operations are also rumoured to be shifting to Mopa, further reducing the airport’s relevance.
The State government, however, dismissed the concerns. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho assured that both airports would function efficiently and that steps were being taken to maintain operations at Dabolim.
Former Dabolim Airport Director Dhanamjaya Rao had earlier admitted that passenger traffic at Dabolim had declined since Mopa began operations. However, he maintained that the airport would continue operations, citing an expected increase in domestic flights and charter operations.
Ray of Hope
Amidst growing uncertainty, some international carriers have offered Dabolim airport a glimmer of hope.
A senior official at Dabolim Airport has revealed to The Goan that Kuwait Airways has shown interest in launching operations from Dabolim.
“We have already granted Kuwait Airways early morning and late-night slots, and we are waiting for their confirmation. Any airline wishing to operate from Dabolim is welcome,” the official said.
Furthermore, the official also indicated that Oman Air and Qatar Airways are considering a dual-airport operation model, potentially resuming flights at Dabolim while maintaining services at Mopa, to cater to passengers travelling to Europe and the US.
Future Outlook
While the loss of international flights remains a significant setback for Dabolim airport, there is cautious optimism regarding new airline entrants.
The response from Kuwait Airways and potential reconsideration by Oman Air and Qatar Airways could reshape the airport’s international connectivity.
With growing domestic traffic and charter flights still in operation, Dabolim is far from a ‘ghost airport,’ but its long-term survival will depend on policy decisions, airline interest, and government intervention to ensure a balanced aviation landscape in Goa.
While the government insists that both airports will function side by side, the steady shift of international flights to Mopa raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Dabolim.
Will new airlines step in to fill the void, or is Dabolim Airport slowly being phased out? Only time, and flights, will tell.
