Panaji

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday dismissed speculation about the closure of civilian operations at Goa International Airport, Dabolim, asserting that the facility will continue to handle public flights.

Opposition parties had raised concerns that the airport, located within the INS Hansa complex, would be reserved exclusively for naval use. Sawant said such claims surface during election seasons and termed them politically motivated.

Highlighting recent investments, the chief minister noted that the Centre has spent about Rs 450 crore on a new flyover at the airport, in addition to around Rs 400 crore on infrastructure upgrades over the past few years, underscoring its continued civilian role. He added that the Union Cabinet has already decided against shutting the airport for civilian traffic.

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Goa currently operates two airports, with Manohar International Airport serving the northern district alongside Dabolim in the south.