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Goa is a small Indian state in western India, with two operational airports: Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport (Mopa Airport). Dabolim Airport is located in South Goa, while Mopa Airport is located in North Goa. Dabolim Airport is older, having been built in 1955, and is currently owned by the Government of Goa and the Indian Navy. It offers flights to the Persian Gulf region, the Middle East, Russia, the United Kingdom, and some European charter flights, mainly during the winter season. Mopa Airport, on the other hand, is a newer airport that was proposed to relieve the growing pressure on Dabolim and enhance connectivity to North Goa. It offers improved facilities and aims to provide smoother passenger flow. When deciding which airport to fly into in Goa, it is important to consider your specific travel plans, destinations within Goa, and priorities in terms of convenience and accessibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports in Goa | Dabolim Airport, Manohar International Airport (Mopa Airport) |
| Location of Dabolim Airport | South Goa, 30 km from Panaji, 4 km from Vasco da Gama, 23 km from Margao |
| Location of Mopa Airport | North Goa, 60 km from Dabolim Airport |
| Facilities at Dabolim Airport | ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, car rental services, luggage trolleys, baggage wrapping machines, handicraft emporium, snack bars, vending machines |
| Facilities at Mopa Airport | Dining, shopping |
| Airlines | Air India, IndiGo, Indian Airlines, Aeroflot, Oman Air, TUI Airways |
| Destinations | Middle East, Russia, UK, Europe, Persian Gulf region, India |
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What You'll Learn
Dabolim Airport: the original airport of Goa
Dabolim Airport is located in the village of Dabolim in South Goa, India. It is about 30 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji, and is closer to popular tourist destinations in South Goa, including Margao, Vasco da Gama, and the beaches of Palolem and Colva. It is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as a civil enclave in an Indian Navy naval airbase named INS Hansa.
The airport was built in 1955 by the Government of the Portuguese State of India, on 249 acres of land. It was originally named Aeroporto de Dabolim and later renamed Aeroporto General Bénard Guedes. During the Annexation of Goa in December 1961, the airport was bombarded by the Indian Air Force, with parts of the infrastructure being destroyed. In April 1962, the airport was occupied by the Indian Navy, and it was opened for civilian air travel in 1966 after the runway was repaired.
Dabolim Airport has been the main airport serving Goa for many years and offers excellent connectivity to both domestic and international destinations. It has facilities including ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, and car rental services. However, the airport has faced challenges due to capacity constraints and air traffic congestion caused by its dual civilian and military use. As a result, a second airport, Manohar International Airport, was proposed and constructed at Mopa in North Goa, with operations starting in January 2023.
The modernisation project at Dabolim Airport, which included constructing a new integrated terminal building and expanding aircraft parking capacity, was one of the Airports Authority of India's largest expansion projects. Despite the new airport at Mopa, Dabolim Airport continues to serve as a significant gateway to Goa, handling over 7.2 million passengers in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
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Mopa Airport: a new airport in North Goa
Goa has two operational airports: Dabolim Airport and the new Manohar International Airport, located in Mopa, North Goa.
Mopa Airport, officially known as Manohar International Airport (IATA: GOX, ICAO: VOGA), is a new airport in North Goa, India. It is named after Manohar Parrikar, the former Minister of Defence and former Chief Minister of Goa. The airport is located in Pernem taluka and serves North Goa and the adjoining districts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The airport is designed as a modern facility, offering extensive dining and shopping options, as well as a smoother passenger flow. It is expected to enhance connectivity to North Goa, with good road links to major parts of the region. Mopa Airport aims to better manage the influx of tourists during peak seasons, providing a more seamless travel experience.
The development of Mopa Airport was proposed to address the issue of airside congestion at Dabolim Airport, which serves as both a civilian and military airport, leading to significant delays. The foundation stone for Manohar International Airport was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2016, and the airport is developed by GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL).
Mopa Airport is built under the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model, with a four-phase development plan. In the initial phase, the airport catered to 4.4 million passengers, with a maximum capacity of 4.5 million passengers per year. By the end of the fourth phase, the airport is projected to handle 13.1 million passengers.
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International flights: destinations and airlines
Goa has two operational airports: Dabolim Airport, located in South Goa, and Manohar International Airport, located in North Goa.
Dabolim Airport offers regular and charter flights to several international destinations, including:
- The Middle East
- Russia
- The United Kingdom
The airport is served by international airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Aeroflot, Oman Air, and TUI Airways. Air India offers flights to London, which is currently the only regular European destination from Goa. Several European charter airlines also fly to Goa seasonally, typically between November and May, with a focus on the winter season. These charter flights often originate from various Russian cities.
Dabolim Airport has experienced challenges due to capacity constraints and air traffic congestion caused by its dual civilian and military use. As a result, the new Manohar International Airport at Mopa was established to relieve these pressures and enhance connectivity to North Goa. While Mopa Airport aims to improve travel efficiency to northern areas, it is important to note that travellers heading to central and southern parts of Goa from this airport might face longer transfer times.
In summary, when considering international flights from Goa, both Dabolim and Manohar International (Mopa) airports offer connections to destinations in the Middle East, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The choice between the two airports depends on your specific travel plans and destination within Goa, balancing convenience and accessibility.
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Domestic flights: travel within India
Goa is a small state in western India, with two operational airports: Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport (also known as Mopa Airport). Dabolim Airport is located in South Goa, while Manohar International Airport is located in North Goa.
Dabolim Airport offers excellent connectivity to domestic destinations within India. It is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and serves Panaji, the capital of Goa. The airport is located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Panaji, 23 kilometres (14 miles) from Margao, and 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the nearest city, Vasco da Gama.
The airport has a railway station located about 1 kilometre from the terminals, connecting it to Margao and Vasco da Gama. Several bus options are also available, with a nearby stop at Chicalim, about 0.93 miles from the airport.
Dabolim Airport has various facilities, including ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, and car rental services. However, during peak travel seasons, the space and facilities may feel limited.
Manohar International Airport in Mopa, North Goa, is a modern facility designed to enhance connectivity to North Goa and manage the influx of tourists during peak seasons. It offers a wide range of amenities, including extensive dining and shopping options, and aims to provide a smoother passenger flow.
Both airports serve domestic destinations within India, and the choice of airport depends on your specific travel plans and final destination within Goa.
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Travel to the airport: bus, train, and car
Goa Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, is located in Dabolim, near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama. The airport is about 30 kilometres from the capital city of Panaji and is owned by the Indian Navy.
If you are travelling to Goa Airport by bus, there are several options available. The state-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation operates bus services from Goa to various cities in neighbouring states, such as Mumbai, Pune, Belgaum, Hubli, Bangalore, and Mangalore. These buses can be identified by their white and blue colours. Additionally, there are private bus operators that provide a range of services, including special, deluxe AC, and sleeper coaches.
For those travelling by train, Goa has two major railway stations: Margao and Vasco-da-Gama, both located in the southern area of the state. The high-speed Konkan Railway offers a daily train service between Mumbai and Panaji, with a travel time of around 8-9 hours. Other trains between these two cities typically take around 10-12 hours. Via railways, it is quite easy to reach Goa as the major railway stations in the state are well-linked with Mumbai and other major parts of the country.
When it comes to travelling to Goa Airport by car, the National Highways NH4A, NH17, and NH17A provide excellent connectivity to major towns in India. The highway roads are generally in good condition and allow for driving at fairly good speeds. The drive from Mumbai to Goa is especially scenic, hugging the Konkan coastline and offering beautiful views of small towns, villages, and the Arabian Sea. There are also a few winding and steep routes across the mountain ranges, adding to the charm of the journey.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two airports in Goa: Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport (Mopa Airport). The choice depends on your destination within Goa. If you're headed to North Goa, Mopa Airport is more convenient. If you're headed to South Goa, Dabolim Airport is closer.
Dabolim Airport has flights to and from various destinations in India. It also has international flights to the Middle East, Russia, the UK, and some European charter flights.
Manohar International Airport has connected several domestic destinations in India that previously had no connections to Goa. It also has international flights to London, with airlines like Aeroflot, Oman Air, and TUI Airways shifting their operations from Dabolim Airport.
Dabolim Airport has ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, and car rental services. There are also complimentary luggage trolleys and a baggage wrapping machine at international departures. For shopping, there is a Handicraft Emporium and Peals & Leather Garments. For food, there are snack bars and vending machines.
Dabolim Airport is connected to the Indian Rail line, with a station located 1km from the terminals. The airport is also served by a few buses that go to the nearby city of Vasco da Gama, with a stop at Chicalim bus stop, about 0.93 miles from the airport.
