Vasco: Goa has seen a sharp rise in tourist arrivals this year, with 1.2 crore (12 million) passengers handled at both, the Dabolim and Mopa airports so far.
Expansion work at the Dabolim Airport is nearing completion, with a new 18,000 square metre terminal building expected to be inaugurated by the end of October, said Airport Director George Varghese.
After inauguration, the new terminal will handle domestic passengers, while the existing terminal will be dedicated to international flights, he said.
Varghese said Dabolim has already handled 75 lakh (7.5 million) passengers this year. The highest figure earlier was 85 lakh (8.5 million) in a year. “Given the current figures, this year’s total will surpass previous records,” he said.
Stating that both, Dabolim and Mopa airports together have already crossed 1.2 crore passengers, the airport director said more are expected in the upcoming winter season. To encourage greater traffic, financial incentives will be offered to international and domestic airlines operating at Dabolim.
Six international charter airlines from Russia have confirmed operations to Dabolim this tourist season, while two more Russian charter companies are considering services. Charter airlines from other countries are also planning flights during the season, Varghese said.
