Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Feb 13: Opposition parties in Goa on Thursday alleged that the Union government was planning to shut down Dabolim Airport and hand it over to the “corporate lobby”, triggering sharp political reactions in the state.
Addressing a press conference, AAP legislator Venzy Viegas accused the ruling BJP of compromising to benefit corporate allies and claimed that steps had been initiated to close Dabolim Airport.
“Dabolim Airport is the lifeline of South Goa. Our tourism sector, taxi operators, hotel industry and many allied businesses depend on it. We will unite all stakeholders and citizens to launch a massive agitation and overturn the government’s plan. We will soon take to the streets against this decision,” he said.
In a post on X, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the BJP-led Centre was planning to convert Dabolim exclusively for defence purposes.
“BJP govt at Centre is planning to convert Dabolim exclusively for defence purposes. Dabolim acts as a lifeline for South Goa. This is not acceptable to the people of Goa. We will fight to keep Dabolim for civil purposes,” Kejriwal wrote.
Dabolim Airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India as a civil enclave at the naval airbase INS Hansa.
Meanwhile, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes of the Congress wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urging that the airport continue to operate for both military and civil aviation.
In his letter, Fernandes said any attempt to close commercial operations would amount to a betrayal of Goans and would not be tolerated. He also dismissed concerns raised about runway limitations, stating that the present arrangement — handling 50 to 60 civil aircraft landings daily while allowing the Indian Navy to conduct training and mission sorties — was functioning smoothly without hindrance.
Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said he had met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi earlier this week after receiving information that a private airport operator was lobbying to convert Dabolim into an exclusive naval facility. Godinho said the Defence Minister assured him that Dabolim Airport would not be shut and would continue to remain operational. He added that he had submitted a memorandum outlining concerns related to the airport.