Goa Presents Integrated Aviation-Tourism Strategy at Western Region Civil Aviation Meet
Goa has unveiled a comprehensive aviation-tourism roadmap, advocating for enhanced air connectivity and strategic infrastructure development to bolster its position as a premier global destination. This ambitious plan, presented at a recent conference, aims to deepen collaboration between central and state authorities, fostering a future-ready, inclusive, and tourism-led aviation economy. The initiative underscores Goa’s commitment to sustainable growth, ensuring efficient travel while promoting eco-friendly practices and equitable access for all.
The state’s strategic submissions at the Western Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference in Mumbai focused on aligning national aviation policies with the unique requirements of tourism-centric states. A crucial call was made for a tourism-oriented Open Skies policy, designed to facilitate direct, long-haul international flights, particularly to key markets in the United Kingdom and Europe. This approach aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with connecting flights. Goa also advocated for its inclusion in all future bilateral Air Service Agreement negotiations to unlock wide-body aircraft operations, which would further complement national campaigns aimed at boosting domestic and inbound tourism.
Recognising the escalating need for robust aviation infrastructure, Goa urged the Centre to fast-track the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility on the 26 acres earmarked at Manohar International Airport in Mopa. Concurrently, the state pushed for enabling the setup of a Flight Training Organisation (FTO) at the same location, with the strategic aim of transforming Goa into a regional aviation skilling hub. To incentivise airline operations into tourism-heavy regions, Goa called for the introduction of a national incentive scheme designed to ensure the commercial viability of both long-haul international and regional routes, fostering sustainable and equitable air connectivity.
The state also highlighted the urgent necessity to reinstate key domestic sectors, specifically the Goa–Dehradun route, which was previously operational under a Memorandum of Understanding with another state. Additionally, requests were made for new regional connections to culturally significant destinations such as Kolhapur, Velankanni, and Tirupati, promoting broader accessibility and regional integration. Goa sought support for the development of emerging aviation sectors, including helicopter connectivity, seaplane services, and drone innovation under a national initiative. Plans for a dedicated Aero-Sports and Drone Innovation Hub were also shared, with a focus on integrating activities like skydiving, hot air ballooning, drone racing, and microlight aviation.
Furthermore, Goa proposed the creation of India’s first integrated air–sea tourism hub by leveraging the geographical proximity between Dabolim Airport and a major cruise terminal, aiming to position the state as a pioneer in multimodal tourism infrastructure. The state also showcased the success of its Aviation Skill Development Centre, which has trained over 1,100 young individuals in the past two years with a near-total placement rate. This achievement exemplifies a scalable model for employment and capacity building within the aviation sector, directly contributing to economic empowerment and fostering a gender-neutral workforce. This integrated approach ensures that Goa’s growth aligns with the principles of zero net carbon and eco-friendly urbanisation, creating a thriving environment for both its residents and visitors.
