Construction of new airports always hints at the government’s efforts to provide better connectivity. Be it for people, goods or services, the more the airports, the smoother the transportation. New airports also indicate tourist growth. And now Goa is all set to boost tourism in the state and focus on civilian traffic with a brand new airport. The state will soon welcome its second international airport, Mopa Airport which is a civilian airport slated to operate from September 1, 2022. Goa, as one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracts around eight million domestic and international visitors each year. With the new airport in Mopa, Goa’s tourism sector is expecting to see even more of an increase in the number of visitors.
About 90% Work Of The Airport Is Completed
The under-construction Mopa International Airport in Goa is a greenfield airport. The airport is being constructed at Mopa in Pernem taluka of North Goa district. The ₹ 3000 crore project is under the Build Operate Transfer and is modelled in four phases. With a budget of ₹ 1,500 crore, the first phase was to be completed by 2019–2020. But it got delayed due to a supreme court order and the Covid pandemic. Finally the airport Is ready to open its doors to the public in August, 2022. According to Goa CM Pramod Sawant, almost 90 per cent work of the airport is completed. As per PTI reports the CM is also seen revealing about the ongoing trials at the airport.
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Will Dabolim Airport be Shut Once Mopa Starts Operating?
Dabolim Airport suffers from capacity constraints and air traffic congestion due to a strong military and naval presence. Therefore, the Mopa Airport is being constructed. However, this in no way means that Dabolim will be shut down. Infact, the state tourism department is looking forward to a boost in tourists with two international airports in Goa.
PM Modi Will Inaugurate The Airport On The Upcoming 76th Independence Day
CM Pramod Sawant recently revealed that the new airport in Mopa is all set to open its doors to the public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new Greenfield International Airport at Mopa on August 15, 2022. This information was revealed by Sawant in his 2021 address, after hoisting the flag at the old secretariat in Panaji. Well, let’s hope we will have the brand new Mopa Airport welcoming us in our future trips to Goa!
Also read: Goa Airport To Welcome International Charter Flights To Boost Tourism
#Mopa Greenfield International airport at Mopa in Pernem is scheduled to be inaugurated in August 2022 ; 1st flight is to land in Sept. 2022 ; and airport to be fully operational in 2023 . Here work is as relentless as the monsoon pic.twitter.com/aHU85RQYZH
— Augusto Rodrigues (@Simplestrike) July 14, 2022