PANJIM: Major airlines continue to relocate themselves from Dabolim to Manohar International Airport, Mopa, and the latest being Qatar Airways.
South Goa MP-elect Captain Viriato Fernandes and many Goans, mostly overseas travellers, have voiced strong criticism against the State government following Qatar Airways’ decision to shift its operations from Dabolim International Airport to Manohar International Airport.
Stating that he will raise in Parliament the issue of major airlines shifting their operations from Dabolim to Mopa airport, Capt Fernandes said, “It is disheartening that Qatar Airways decided to shift operations just two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qatar. The BJP government is prioritising the interests of crony capitalists over the well-being of local Goans. However, I will not let Goans down and will address this issue in Parliament on behalf of all Goans.”
Capt Fernandes accused the government of applying undue pressure on airlines to move to the privately managed airport.
“There is consistent pressure on the airlines to shift their operations to the private airport at Mopa and the past statements from Cabinet ministers confirm that there was been pressure from GMR on airline operators to move out of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) managed Dabolim International Airport,” he said.
“Our prediction that Dabolim Airport operations will slowly decline is coming true as major airlines are exiting from here and moving to MIA. This will lead to significant unemployment, especially among the ground staff and other workers of Dabolim airport,” he said.
“This move will have a cascading effect on businesses associated with the airline industry, including shacks, starred hotels and small outlets across South Goa district,” Capt Fernandes said.
Former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes said, “I had told in the beginning itself that airport operations will be shifted to Mopa. Right at the time when Air India had started shifting it was clear that it will kill the Dabolim airport slowly. The government has gone against the wishes of the people.”
“GMR, which is not paying revenue to the government, has become the son-in-law of the State government, who is favouring them. Dabolim airport will get crippled and eventually close down,” Gomes said.
Simon D'Silva, president of Goan Welfare Association, Qatar, said, “Dabolim airport is centrally located which is close to both South and North Goa. Now it is becoming really very inconvenient as one has to drive such a long distance. Shifting of major airlines is a clear indication that they are planning to close down Dabolim airport.”
He said the Mopa airport is also not convenient for tourists who wish to visit both North and South Goa. “It is a sad thing to know that the government is planning to close down the airport. It is an open secret now,” D’Silva said.
Shailesh Mayenkar, president of United Taximen Union, Vasco, complained about the loss in business. “Since the commencement of Mopa airport, our taxi business is badly affected. It is down by three-fourth now and instead of making three trips it is difficult to event get one trip per day. There will be no night landing after 11.30 pm at Dabolim due to shifting of Qatar Airways. We will also lose night charges,” Mayenkar told O Heraldo.
“Now most of the passengers we get are from South Goa district only. North Goa passengers prefer Mopa airport. Thursday was the last flight of Qatar Airways at Dabolim. Now our night business is gone. What we are getting our passengers mostly from Mumbai and Bengaluru,” he added.
Dixon Vaz, Cavelossim sarpanch and founder of Goa Seaman Association of India (GSAI) was also critical of the permanent relocation of international flights to Mopa airport. “This will not only affect the tourism industry in South Goa but will also significantly impact seafarers and Goans settled abroad, especially in the UK. South Goa has been a hub for various types of seafarers, including those working on cruise lines, cargo ships, and oil rigs. The Qatar Airways flights to Dabolim airport were convenient and particularly beneficial for these groups,” Vaz said.
Cajetan Rodrigues, vice president of Goan Welfare Association, Qatar, said, “Dabolim airport was a very good and extravagant airport. I am feeling very sad because right from childhood we have been going to Dabolim. Now to change from Dabolim to Mopa is disheartening. It was so convenient that you could close your eyes and drive straight to Dabolim airport. Now it takes more almost two hours to reach Mopa airport from Colva, where I stay. That too at night. If you travel during the day, then it is a total mess. The route takes you through all the villages to Mopa.”
Sanguem councillor Meshu D’Costa said, “It is a black day for Dabolim airport and a big loss for tourism industry in South Goa district. Tourists arriving at Dabolim will now go to Mopa. Those from far flung rural areas of Sanguem taluka working abroad will have to travel long hours. Livelihood of taxi operators and hoteliers will suffer. I request State government to retain major airline operations at Dabolim.”
Captain Jonathan Fernandes from Curtorim, who is based in Dubai, said the discontinuation of Qatar Airways flights from Dabolim airport “is highly inconvenient for frequent travellers from South Goa, forcing us to switch to other airlines”.
“If Qatar Airways must operate from Mopa airport, several solutions should be offered to accommodate South Goa passengers. Firstly, establishing check-in counters in Margao would allow passengers to complete pre-flight procedures closer to home. Additionally, providing a dedicated bus service from Margao to Mopa airport, with stops in Panjim and Mapusa, would ensure convenient transportation for passengers across Goa.” He said these suggestions are inspired by successful models elsewhere. Fernandes pointed out that in Dubai, Air Arabia offers check-in counters despite operating flights from Sharjah airport, allowing passengers to travel to the airport hands-free.
“I’ve personally experienced flying with whichever other airlines that originate from Dabolim. However, a long-term solution that maintains convenience for South Goa travellers is essential to minimise disruption and ensure continued accessibility to international flights,” Fernandes added.