NT Reporter | Vasco
Goa’s Dabolim Airport is set to handle higher passenger volumes and offer enhanced facilities once its terminal expansion project is inaugurated in December.
Newly appointed Airport Director Flight Lieutenant Akash Deep said the upgraded terminal will provide world-class amenities and improve the overall passenger experience.
“Once the expansion (project) is inaugurated, Dabolim will offer facilities at par with the best airports in the country,” he said while addressing the media on Wednesday.
Airport authorities said the expansion will help boost passenger and tourist traffic to the state.
Akash Deep, who recently took over from outgoing director George Varghese (transferred to Mumbai Airport after a promotion), brings with him over 33 years of experience in the aviation sector. A former Flight Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force, he joined the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in 1998 and has since served in key leadership roles at Srinagar, Bhopal and Varanasi airports.
He also played a pivotal role as general manager for the government’s UDAN scheme.
Currently spread across 65,600 square metres, the terminal will gain an additional 18,300 square metres, bringing the total area to 83,900 square metres. Deep said the expansion will significantly improve facilities and handling capacity. At present, the terminal can accommodate 4,450 passengers at a time – including 3,260 domestic and 1,190 international travellers. After the expansion, the capacity will rise by 700 domestic passengers, allowing 5,150 passengers at a time.
The upgrade includes 32 new check-in counters, bringing the total to 96, and four additional self-baggage drop facilities, raising the total to 14. The number of boarding bridges will increase from eight to nine, elevators from 15 to 22, and escalators from 12 to 17. An additional inline baggage handling system will also be installed, taking the total to three.
Deep said expanded vehicle parking and other passenger amenities are also a part of the upgrade plan.
