Goa CM Voices Concerns Over Airline Shift to New Mopa Airport

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed concern to the central government regarding airlines moving operations from Dabolim International Airport to the new Mopa Airport. The issue was raised during a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and other officials in New Delhi.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday communicated his government's concerns to the central government regarding airlines shifting their operations from the longstanding Dabolim International Airport to the newly operational Mopa Airport in Pernem taluka.

In a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi, Sawant, accompanied by his cabinet ministers Mauvin Godinho and Rohan Khaunte, underscored the issues arising from this shift. Junior civil aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol, civil aviation secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, and AAI chairman M Suresh were also present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister detailed that the shift affects operations at Dabolim airport, a facility operated under the Indian Navy's base, as opposed to the greenfield Manohar International Airport operated by private entity GMR Goa International Airport. Union minister Naidu promised full support to Goa in enhancing the capacity and incentives for the Dabolim airport.

(With inputs from agencies.)