HomeLatestPanaji Advocates Revival of Regional Air Links to Boost Tourism

Panaji Advocates Revival of Regional Air Links to Boost Tourism

Panaji has called for the reinstatement and expansion of vital regional air routes to bolster tourism, economic growth, and employment in Goa. At the Western Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference in Mumbai, the state presented a detailed aviation‑tourism roadmap. Officials urged the centre to adopt a tourism‑focused Open Skies policy with direct long‑haul flights, reintroduce key domestic routes, support seaplane and helicopter services, and develop regional aviation infrastructure.

The state’s proposals included reviving the Panaji–Dehradun service, and launching regional connections to Velankanni, Tirupati, and Kolhapur—the aim being to improve connectivity with pilgrim and heritage destinations. Goa also called for a tourism‑oriented Open Skies framework to allow direct flights from Europe and the UK, and requested inclusion in upcoming bilateral Air Service Agreements. Revival of regional routes, coupled with incentives for airlines, is expected to support domestic tourism drives and reduce carbon intensity through efficient aircraft deployment. To reinforce the state’s ambitions as an aviation hub, Goa urged fast-tracking the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a Flight Training Organisation (FTO) at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.  Additionally, the roadmap includes seaplane and helicopter connectivity, a Drone and Aero‑Sports Hub under the ‘Drone Didi’ initiative, and India’s first integrated air‑sea tourism corridor linking Dabolim Airport with the Vasco cruise terminal.

Goa’s Aviation Skill Development Centre, based at Mopa, has trained over 1,100 youth in two years with near‑total placement success—an example of sustainable, employment‑led sector growth. Officials framed this as a model of cooperative federalism where local skills meet national aviation expansion, addressing both job creation and infrastructure readiness. To further complement these ambitions, Panaji has emphasised the need for environmentally conscious aviation policies. Officials proposed that any regional air route revival must align with India’s net-zero targets, suggesting the use of fuel-efficient aircraft, carbon offset mechanisms, and green airport certifications. Goa’s dual-airport model—with Manohar International Airport at Mopa and Dabolim Airport—was presented as a potential blueprint for balancing growth and environmental responsibility, particularly by promoting multimodal connectivity.

Panaji’s call for a tourism‑driven Open Skies policy and strengthened regional air connectivity positions Goa as a forward-looking pilot for integrated, low‑carbon, and equitable tourism infrastructure. However, realising this vision will require robust policy backing, ongoing Centre‑State coordination, and diligent environmental safeguards—especially to ensure growth does not compromise the state’s ecological balance. The success of these proposals will depend on receiving the necessary incentives, regulatory support, and strategic partnerships from the central government.

Also Read: Bhopal Achieves Second Cleanest City Ranking in Swachh Survekshan 
Panaji Advocates Revival of Regional Air Links to Boost Tourism
RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -spot_img

Most Popular

Latest News

Recent Comments