Enhancing the tourism and economic potential of the region, Airport infrastructure in Goa is gearing up to receive a major expansion and face lift with two world class airports; one existing at Dabolim and the second being developed in Mopa. In view of flourishing tourism and growing passenger traffic, both the airports in Goa have the potential to grow as they are at two different locations, one in the north and another in the southern side of the state. The Government of India had approved the proposal of State Government of Goa for continuation of civilian operations at Dabolim Civil Aviation Enclave, even after the commissioning of new international airport at Mopa.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already taken up action to invest around Rs.400 crores to improve the passenger facilities and carry out various expansion works at its existing Dabolim International Airport which includes extension of the terminal building and creation of parking bays. In order to ease traffic and handle more movements, AAI is developing a parallel taxiway at Dabolim International Airport. The airport will get in-line X-ray baggage system apart from a host of self-service kiosk and additional Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) for enhancing the capacity and passenger throughput.
The new international greenfield airport at Mopa is coming up in addition to the present Dabolim International Airport. The present civil enclave at Dabolim will continue servicing the growing demand for tourism as well as for other purposes.
Dabolim International Airport at Goa handled over 7.5 million passengers last year. Recently, Goa airport became the 12th airport to have an Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC) which will improve overall efficiency of airport operations by providing real time information of flights.
The operation of civil commercial flights will continue from Dabolim International Airport even after the commissioning of new international airport at Mopa.