Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant told the House that he will consult the Union Civil Aviation ministry over the resumption of the Air India flight from Gatwick (UK) to Manohar International Airport, Goa.
The flight between the UK and Goa was stopped following Ahmabad Air disaster.
BJP MLA Michael Lobo, raising the issue during the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, demanded to know when will be the Air India flight resume again between Gatwick and Goa.
“This was the only flight which was directly bringing Goans from the London to Goa. The flight is stopped and no particular date has been given about its resumption,” Lobo pointed out on the floor of the House.
He demanded that Chief minister should intervene in the matter and take up the issue with Air India and also Union Civil Aviation ministry.
Responding to the Question, Sawant assured that he will “consult the Union Civil Aviation Ministry” and ensure that the flight is resumed as early as possible.
During the discussion on the floor of the House, Lobo also questioned whether there is feasibility for two airports in Goa — Dabolim Airport in South Goa and Manohar International Airport inNorth.
He said that during the commissioning of Manohar International Airport, the assurances were given that the new facility will bring in more connectivity from the places like Abu Dabi, Germany, Qatar and London. “But that does not seem to have been happening,” he said.
The chief minister said that the number of flights (domestic and international) arriving in the state has doubled after the commissioning of Manohar International Airport.
He said that on an average 50-52 flights used to land and take off from Dabolim Airport. “Now the similar number of flights are operating from Manohar International Airport, thereby doubling the flight arrivals,” Sawant said.
The chief minister said that though Manohar International Airport has been run by a private company, it has brought in revenue of Rs 65.88 crore to the state exchequer since its commissioning.
As per data tabled on the floor of the House, Manohar International Airport at Mopa has commenced its Domestic Commercial operations from January 05, 2023 and International operations started from July 21, 2023.
