Aimed at boosting air connectivity and tourism in the coastal Indian state of Goa, the newly-inaugurated Mopa International Airport, or Manohar International Airport, is ready to start operations on January 5th next year. Here's what passengers can expect from the new airport.

Background

Located approximately 50 kilometers away from Dabolim International Airport in North Goa, Mopa International Airport was first given in-principle approval for establishment in March 2000. The deciding factors for the support came as the officials understood how a new airport in Goa would promote socio-economic development and meet tourism demands.

It was also foreseen that a new airport within the state would have the potential to serve as a significant logistics hub. It could directly connect several domestic and international destinations for both airlines and passengers, meaning that multi-modal connectivity is planned for the airport.

With the expectation of a full-service airport catering to domestic and international passengers, alongside freight services, Mopa was planned to be developed in various phases to allow future scaling up based on growing demands. The first phase includes the construction of a single three-and-a-half kilometer runway (09/27) alongside integrated passenger terminal buildings and a cargo terminal. It was this very initial phase that was inaugurated today.

Capacity

With the first phase inaugurated, Mopa is scheduled to begin operations on January 5th of next year. Developed at a relative cost of approximately Rs 2,879 crore ($348 million), the first phase of airport development stands across 2,133 acres and will welcome airlines and passengers with 18 aircraft stands and eight taxiways, with six cross taxiways and two rapid exit taxiways.

An estimated 42 weekly flights from the new airport will be operated by Indian low-cost carrier Go First. Budget carrier giant IndiGo will also operate at least 12 weekly flights and approximately 168 new weekly flights from Mopa next year. With such a busy schedule already planned for its grand opening, it's no surprise to learn that Mopa, in its first phase, is expected to handle about 4.5 million passengers per annum within its 700,000 feet terminal building.

The capacity will gradually increase as the airport's master plan design allows for the future widening of the runway and taxiways to accommodate more aircraft. Concerning the passenger terminal, the master plan highlighted expanded and upgraded facilities, and phase two of the airport's development will see it handle at least 5.9 million passengers per annum. Once all four stages are complete, Mopa is expected to house about 13.1 million passengers annually.

Bottom line

If Goa wasn't already a popular coastal destination that sees consistent tourism demands, the city is about to get busier once Mopa International Airport begins operations. It would also be interesting to see what cargo carriers will operate at the new airport and its dedicated cargo facility.

And although the first phase is now completed, the four and final phase is only expected to finish by 2045, so the airport's expansion will be gradually slow. However, it is said that a third airport within the city is already in the works of planning and gaining approval, so it might seem that Mopa will not be in the limelight for long.

Source: The Economic Times of India