India’s Dabolim Airport Battles Decline In 2025 As Mopa Emerges As Goa’s New Air Hub

Published on April 2, 2025

India’s Dabolim Airport is facing a noticeable decline in 2025 as international airlines increasingly abandon the decades-old facility in favor of the modern Manohar International Airport at Mopa, which has quickly emerged as Goa’s dominant air hub. With global carriers shifting operations northward, Dabolim’s role as the state’s primary gateway is diminishing, raising serious concerns among South Goa stakeholders. While Dabolim clings to domestic and charter services, the rapid rise of Mopa is reshaping Goa’s aviation future and challenging the sustainability of India’s once-bustling coastal airport.

Once the leading international aviation hub in Goa, Dabolim International Airport now finds itself grappling with an uncertain future. The launch of the new Manohar International Airport at Mopa has reshaped Goa’s air travel landscape, prompting a major shift in international airline operations. This change has triggered logistical adjustments and sparked widespread debate about the future of air connectivity in South Goa.

The migration of international carriers from Dabolim to Mopa has reduced the airport’s international traffic significantly. While domestic and charter operations remain stable, the loss of global routes is raising serious concerns about the long-term viability of Dabolim Airport.

Shift of Airlines from Dabolim to Mopa

Several major international airlines have moved their operations from Dabolim to the newly inaugurated Manohar International Airport. These include prominent carriers from the Middle East and South Asia, reducing the range of direct international connections available from South Goa.

SriLankan Airlines exited early, well before Mopa began operations. Following that, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Air Arabia, and others transitioned their services to Mopa over a period of months. Air India’s Goa-Gatwick service also shifted to Mopa in mid-2023, signaling a trend that would only accelerate.

By mid-2024, the majority of international routes once served by Dabolim had been redirected to Mopa, leaving only a few Gulf routes in operation from South Goa.

Limited International Operations Continue at Dabolim

Currently, only a couple of international flights remain operational at Dabolim, focused primarily on Gulf destinations. These limited routes provide vital connectivity for certain traveler segments but represent a fraction of the airport’s former global reach.

The change has not only reduced international access to South Goa but also complicated logistics for travelers and local businesses who previously relied on Dabolim’s accessibility and infrastructure.

Growing Regional Concerns

The migration of airline operations has sparked concern in South Goa, where many depend on Dabolim for tourism-related employment and economic activity. Travel agencies, hoteliers, and transport operators have expressed unease over the airport’s shrinking role.

With cargo operations also rumored to be moving to Mopa, there is growing apprehension that Dabolim may be slowly phased out. While government sources have stated that both airports will be maintained, the shift of commercial interest and aviation traffic to Mopa has left stakeholders uncertain about the future.

Passenger Decline Noted, but Domestic and Charter Flights Offer Support

It has been acknowledged that passenger numbers at Dabolim have declined since the opening of Mopa. However, domestic flight activity remains strong, and seasonal charter flights—particularly those from Europe—continue to provide revenue.

These routes, especially during the tourist season, help keep the airport active and serve as a foundation for potential recovery or strategic repositioning. The airport may evolve to specialize in domestic, charter, and select international routes rather than compete directly with Mopa.

Possible Revival with New International Interest

In recent developments, there are signs that Dabolim could regain some international relevance. A Gulf-based airline has shown interest in beginning operations from Dabolim. The airport has reportedly allocated flight slots and is awaiting final confirmation from the airline’s side.

Additionally, two major Gulf carriers are exploring the possibility of operating from both Dabolim and Mopa. This dual-airport approach could allow them to maintain market presence in both North and South Goa and cater to a broader customer base, including travelers connecting to Europe and the U.S.

If implemented, such a model would give Dabolim renewed purpose and restore some balance in Goa’s air traffic distribution.

Strategic Location Still a Key Advantage

Dabolim’s location in South Goa remains a strategic asset. It offers closer access to key tourist beaches and business hubs in the southern part of the state. For tourists heading to South Goa, using Mopa means longer transfer times and higher transport costs.

Local businesses and logistics operators have emphasized the airport’s importance in sustaining the regional economy. Any reduction in services directly affects tourism-dependent enterprises and the overall travel ecosystem in the area.

As new infrastructure developments continue in North Goa, concerns grow that Dabolim’s significance is being overlooked despite its central role in connecting South Goa to national and international markets.

Government Response and Vision for Coexistence

State authorities have stated that the long-term plan includes the simultaneous functioning of both airports, with each serving different segments of the market. One airport could focus on low-cost and domestic operations, while the other handles more international traffic and cargo.

Efforts are reportedly underway to attract new carriers to Dabolim and promote its advantages. However, public confidence remains shaky as international routes continue to decline and airline operations consolidate around Mopa.

Ensuring a balanced aviation model in Goa will depend on strategic decisions by policymakers and continued cooperation between aviation stakeholders.

Can Dabolim Reinvent Itself?

The future of Dabolim Airport will likely hinge on its ability to adapt. A shift toward greater domestic connectivity, seasonal charter flights, and possibly serving as a hub for regional low-cost international carriers could help stabilize its operations.

Reviving the airport’s international relevance will require concrete commitments from new airlines, along with infrastructure upgrades and marketing support. As Goa’s tourism and business sectors grow, there remains a demand for dual airport functionality—especially if managed smartly.

While Mopa offers modern facilities and space for growth, Dabolim’s location and existing infrastructure remain vital assets. Reimagining the airport’s role rather than phasing it out may present a more sustainable aviation solution for the state.

India’s Dabolim Airport is witnessing a sharp decline in 2025 as major international airlines shift operations to Mopa’s Manohar International Airport, which is fast emerging as Goa’s new aviation hub.

Dabolim’s Place in Goa’s Air Travel Future

As international airlines continue their move toward Mopa, Dabolim stands at a turning point. Once the dominant gateway to Goa, it now faces the challenge of redefining its identity and relevance in a changing aviation landscape.

There is cautious optimism that new carriers may return and that a dual-hub system could emerge to serve both South and North Goa equitably. However, this will depend heavily on policy direction, airline strategy, and regional demand.

Whether Dabolim will stage a comeback or fade further into the background remains an open question. For now, the airport remains operational, with potential for transformation—if opportunities are seized and strategic support is provided.