According to a recent Press Trust of India (PTI) report, in a discussion organised by Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) yesterday, Paul Manickam, Airport Director said that in the absence of another airport, the existing one needs expansion to accommodate the growing number of air passengers visiting the tourist state. The airport is located in the port town of Vasco, and is managed by Indian Navy which has its airbase there from where it holds regular trainings.
The Centre had sanctioned Rs 500-crore expansion plan for the airport but it failed to take off because of non- availability of land which is in Navy's possession.
Manickam stated that the existing facilities at the airport have reached their saturation point. The terminal building, which can accommodate 700 passengers at a time, is now serving 1,500 to 2,000 travellers. Land is a major factor in the airport expansion plan. Any further delay on this front would hamper tourism and commercial activities, added Manickam. |