Minimum 2 days booking required for all vehicles. We don't provide cars for 1 day in Goa.
Minimum 2 days booking required for all vehicles. We don't provide cars for 1 day in Goa.

Why does Goa have a new airport?

mopa airport


Goa, the smallest state in India, is a popular tourist destination known for its sun-kissed beaches, exciting nightlife, and unique culture. In recent years, the state has witnessed a significant surge in tourist footfall, leading to a demand for better transportation infrastructure. One of the key infrastructure projects that have been undertaken to meet this demand is the construction of a new airport in Goa.
The new airport in Goa, officially known as the Mopa Airport, is being built in the northern part of the state, near the town of Mopa. The project was first proposed in 1999 but faced several hurdles, including land acquisition issues and protests from environmentalists.
However, after years of delay, the project finally received clearance from the central government in 2016, and construction work began in 2017.
So, why does Goa need a new airport? There are several reasons behind this:

1. Congestion at the existing airport

Goa’s only airport, the Dabolim Airport, is located in the southern part of the state, near the state capital, Panaji. The airport is operated by the Indian Navy and also serves as a civilian airport. However, due to its limited capacity, the airport is often congested, especially during peak tourist seasons. The airport can handle only around 4.5 million passengers per year, whereas the state attracts over 8 million tourists annually. The new airport in Mopa will help ease the congestion at Dabolim and provide better connectivity to the northern part of the state. You can just look out for Goa airport car rental if you are looking to hire self drive cars in Goa and enjoy your trip at fullest with privacy and full safety.

2. Better connectivity

The new airport is strategically located near the state’s border with Maharashtra, which will provide better connectivity to neighboring states. This will not only boost tourism but also attract more investment to the region, leading to economic growth.

3. Employment opportunities

The construction and operation of the new airport will create job opportunities for the local population. According to estimates, the airport is expected to generate around 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

4. Development of the region

The Mopa airport is expected to give a boost to the overall development of the northern part of the state. The airport will act as a catalyst for the development of tourism-related infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants, and other facilities. It will also spur the growth of other industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

5. Security concerns

The Dabolim airport is located very close to naval bases, and security concerns have often led to disruptions in civilian air traffic. The new airport in Mopa will be built on land that is entirely owned by the state government, eliminating such security concerns.

6. Environmental concerns

The Dabolim airport is located in the midst of an eco-sensitive zone, and its expansion has been opposed by environmentalists. The new airport in Mopa, on the other hand, is being built on barren land that has been earmarked for non-agricultural use.

The Mopa airport is being built at a cost of around 3,500 crores and is expected to be operational by 2023. The airport will have a capacity to handle around 13.5 million passengers per year and will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The airport will also have a cargo terminal, which will give a boost to the state’s exports.

In conclusion, the construction of the new airport in Goa is a much-needed infrastructure project. The new airportwill help ease the congestion at the existing airport and provide a much-needed boost to the northern part of the state. With its modern facilities and improved connectivity, the airport is expected to attract more tourists to Goa and generate greater revenue for the state. People can simply explore the beautiful Goa by hiring car rental at mopa airport with your family and friends. Simply go on fastrental website and select your car to book mopa airport car rental.

However, it is essential to ensure that the construction and operation of the new airport are carried out in a sustainable manner. There are concerns about the impact of the project on the environment, particularly in terms of land use and water resources. Steps must be taken to minimize the ecological footprint of the airport, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing water conservation measures.