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3 min readPanajiUpdated: Feb 13, 2026 07:20 AM IST
Dabolim airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India as a civil enclave in the naval airbase INS Hansa.
Opposition parties in Goa on Thursday alleged that the Union government was planning to shut Goa’s Dabolim International Airport and hand it over to the “corporate lobby”.
Addressing a press conference, AAP legislator Venzy Viegas accused the ruling BJP government of making compromises to benefit its corporate allies, and claimed that it has initiated moves aimed at shutting 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 in this sector and citizens to launch a massive agitation and overturn the government’s plan. We will soon take to the streets against this decision.”
In a post on X, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal said, “BJP govt at Centre is planning to convert Dabolim exclusively for defence purposes. Dabolim acts as a lifeline for S Goa. This is not acceptable to the people of Goa. We will fight to keep Dabolim for civil purposes.”
Dabolim airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India as a civil enclave in the naval airbase INS Hansa.
In a letter addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes of the Congress requested that the Dabolim airport continue to remain operational for both military and civil/commercial aircraft.
“Any attempt to close commercial operations will be a big betrayal of the people of Goa, which will never be tolerated and accepted by the people… It is also to be noted that time and again, issues like single runway and two runways have been raised to create a false bogey of experiencing difficulty in handling aircraft… The present arrangement at Dabolim airport, which handles about 50-60 civil aircraft landings daily and the balance time being utilised by the Indian Navy for their training and mission sorties, has been working out fine without hindrance to the Navy as well as civil aviation,” he said in the letter.
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Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said he met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi earlier this week, after he received information that a private airport operator was “lobbying” to turn Dabolim airport into an exclusive naval facility. Godinho said the Defence Minister assured him that Dabolim airport would not shut down and that it would continue to remain operational. On the sidelines of an event in Goa, Godinho said he submitted a memorandum highlighting certain issues concerning the airport.
Pavneet Singh Chadha is the Goa Correspondent of The Indian Express. His reporting focuses intensely on the state of Goa, covering major developments in politics, governance, and significant local events, which establishes his high degree of Expertise and Authority in the region. Expertise Geographic Expertise: As the Goa correspondent, Pavneet provides on-the-ground, comprehensive coverage of Goa's political, social, and cultural landscape, ensuring readers receive timely and localized insights. Key Coverage Focus: His recent work demonstrates deep investigative capabilities and a focus on high-impact stories, including: Investigative Reporting: Extensive coverage of complex events such as major incidents (e.g., the Goa nightclub fire), tracing the legal, political, and safety lapses involved. Government and Law Enforcement: Detailed tracking of police actions, deportations, and legal proceedings related to significant local cases. Policy and Governance: Reporting on the judiciary (e.g., Goa High Court flagging illegal structures) and the actions of government departments. He tweets @pub_neat ... Read More
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