Dabolim airport row: Why rival parties are united and what it means for South Goa's economy

The airport functions as a civil enclave within the Indian Navy’s INS Hansa base.

• Goa leaders oppose ending civilian flights at Dabolim Airport
• CM Sawant denies plans to close Dabolim for commercial use
• Dabolim seen as vital for South Goa's economy and tourism

Did our AI summary help?

The future of civilian operations at Goa International Airport (Dabolim) has become a political issue in Goa, with leaders across parties saying the airport should continue handling commercial flights.

Leaders from the ruling BJP, the Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have all publicly opposed any move to discontinue civilian operations at the airport, warning of severe economic consequences for South Goa.

The speculation began after Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said he had met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh amid rising concerns that a private airport operator was "lobbying" to convert Dabolim into an exclusive naval facility.

The airport functions as a civil enclave within the Indian Navy’s INS Hansa base.

The controversy resurfaced again, even though Goa already operates a dual-airport system. The newer Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa began commercial operations in 2023 and is run by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd, a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited.

When Mopa was approved in 2000, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had recommended closing Dabolim for civilian use after the new airport became operational. However, following protests, that decision was later modified in 2010 to allow civilian services to continue at Dabolim.

Now, fresh rumours of closure, especially after some airlines shifted operations to Mopa, have become a cause of concern among tourism stakeholders and political parties.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, meanwhile, categorically denied any plan to shut Dabolim for civilian flights last week.

"Every time there is an election, the opposition scouts for some or other issue," Sawant told reporters, dismissing closure claims as political theatrics. He pointed out that the Union government recently spent Rs 450 crore on a flyover at Dabolim and another Rs 400 crore on infrastructure upgrades in recent years. "This investment was made so that the airport can be used for civilian flights," he remarked.

The Chief Minister’s Office also issued a statement saying, "Any speculation suggesting that consent has been given to discontinue civilian services at Dabolim Airport is incorrect and misleading. Goa presently benefits from a dual-airport system".

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal wrote on X that converting Dabolim exclusively for defence use would be "unacceptable". "Dabolim acts as a lifeline for South Goa… We will fight to ensure Dabolim continues for civil purposes," he wrote.

On the other hand, South Goa Congress MP Viriato Fernandes called it a "clear conspiracy" to phase out commercial operations, claiming that "4.5 to 5 lakh people" depend directly or indirectly on the airport for their livelihoods.

Furthermore, even BJP leaders have sought assurances. Godinho and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade wrote to Rajnath Singh seeking intervention for "continued unhindered operations".

What makes Dabolim economically critical

Dabolim handled around 63 lakh domestic passengers and 2 lakh international passengers last year, compared with 47.1 lakh domestic and 3.9 lakh international passengers at Mopa in 2025.

Beyond passenger numbers, its location is key.

Situated centrally, Dabolim offers roughly 90-minute connectivity to both far North Goa (Mandrem, Arambol) and the extreme South (Palolem, Agonda).

Vinay Albuquerque, a hospitality entrepreneur, warned that taxi fares from Mopa to South Goa could touch Rs 5,000 one way. "For a family travelling on a budget, it’s going to be extremely difficult… Businesses in Palolem and Agonda will be wiped out," he said, as cited in an Indian Express report.

Jack Sukhija, president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), noted that Dabolim was the first Indian airport to receive European charter flights and remains central to Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

The state government insists both airports are necessary for Goa’s growth as a tourism destination.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said speculation was being fuelled by "insecure people ahead of elections" and reiterated that Dabolim would continue operations.

The Defence Ministry has not publicly announced any change in policy. Defence Minister Singh has reportedly assured state representatives that both airports would remain operational for commercial traffic.

At its core, the debate is not just about aviation infrastructure but about regional balance.

South Goa’s economy, particularly luxury tourism, taxi services, small hotels and ancillary businesses, is closely tied to Dabolim’s accessibility.

With nearly half a million livelihoods estimated to be linked to airport-linked activity, any perception of phased withdrawal of civilian services has triggered political alarm.