Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Augustin Fernandes
The Goa Airport known as the Dabolim Airport is situated on the plateau of the city of Dabolim and is currently the only Airport in Goa for both domestic as well as international passengers.
The Dabolim Airport was primarily known to be a civil enclave used for civil aviation and military. The Airport now runs as both militaries as well as for passenger flights going in and out of Goa.
The Airport is just 4 km away from the well-established city of Vasco da Gama and about 23 km away from Margao another major town in Goa.
The capital of Goa, ‘Panaji’ lies 30 km away from the Airport and is about a 40 min drive. The Airport is considered to be the 9th largest Airport in India
Goa Airport Terminal
The terminal belonging to the Goan Airport in Dabolim was opened in 2013 and took charge of both domestic as well as international passengers.
The terminal at the Airport is reportedly known to hold a capacity of 5 million passengers annually, is a massive size of 62,000 square meters in total.
A few main highlights of the Dabolim Terminal includes; an inline scanning baggage system as well as built-in sewage treatment plant.
The terminal has a combined 75 check-in counters along with 22 immigration counters for departures and 18 for arrivals. Also holds four high-end security check booths as well as eight customer counters.
The terminal at the Goa Airport consists of 4 segments;
- The basement which holds the cargo and electrical equipment.
- The ground floor is consisting of all check-in counters.
- The 1st floor which holds all the security booths.
- The 2nd floor where passengers sit patiently to await their outgoing flights.
History of Dabolim Airport
Source : https://commons.wikimedia.org
The Airport initially came to life in 1955, when it was built by the government of ‘Estado da India Portuguesa’ and was given the birth name of ‘Aeroporto General Bernard Guedes’ named after the general of the Portuguese army.
The Airport under this Portuguese government was mainly serving as the Airport for Portuguese India’s Airline known as TAIP. However, in 1962 the Airport was taken over by the Indian Navy’s air wing under Major General K.P. Candeth, who successfully managed to lead the Indian Military operation into Goa, which ended the Portuguese rule in this territory.
In 1966 the Indian Government decided it was time to allow the Airport to be available to passenger civilians traveling in and out of Goa.
This procedure required the public sector airline (Indian) to take control and establish a new runway which would be used for passenger planes coming in and going out of Goa.
In 1983 a new terminal was built, designed for 350 arrivals and departures together.
In 1996 an international terminal was inaugurated to for 250 arrivals and departures at the Airport.
Construction of New Terminal
In 2006 a plan was made by the Civil Aviation Ministry to expand and upgrade Dabolim Airport. The idea was to construct a new international terminal and add the number of more aircraft stands within the Airport.
The complete project of upgrading the Dabolim Airport was the 3rd largest project to be dealt with by the AAI in terms of size and money put together.
The entire project for the renewal and modernization of the Airport involved; New terminal buildings which would replace the old ones, a multi-level car parking to hold around 570 cars, and many additional parking stands on the runway built for aircraft to park.
The foundation stone for the new terminal was laid on 21-Feb-09, and the construction for it began in May 2011.
The total cost of building the new Dabolim Airport terminal came to a whopping sum of 3.45 billion and can now handle a total of 2,750 passengers.
The terminal was inaugurated on the 3rd of Dec 2013 for complete use by the public.
The Structure of Dabolim Airport
The Dabolim Airport spread over 1,840 acres of land, also consisting of a civil enclave of 35 acres of land. The civil enclave belongs to the AAI (airport authority of India).
The premises belonging to the Navy is close to the runway, resulting in the constant crossing of Navy personnel by foot and by vehicle between flights. A large area near the terminal is kept for the parking of aircraft off the main runway.
Dabolim Airport also holds the fort to the air station of the Indian Navy after it was moved here in 1961.
In 1983 the Indian Navy introduced a jet fighter known as the sea harrier and soon after started conducted training over here at the Airport revolving around this particular fighter jet.
Now the base of the air station holds trainings for the MiG’s, in particular, the MiG29ks, which is a special fighter jet developed in Russia.
The other aircrafts at the Navy base at Dabolim include; anti-submarine helicopters and several small planes like the ‘Dornier-228s’.
The Indian Navy also holds several patrols at the air station, and also has an aerobatic team known as ‘Sagar Pawan’, which carries out aerobatic displays in the country.
The Navy is also responsible for establishing a Naval Aviation Museum near the Airport in the city of Vasco da Gama.
Military training at Dabolim Airport
On each of the five days that fill the week, military training is carried out prolifically by the Air Navy association of India at the Airport.
The training is held from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm every day during the week. At this time every day, the Airport remains closed for civilian transportation from and to the Airport.
Foreign airlines carrying international tourists tend to schedule their arrivals on weekends during the peak season instead, due to the free availability of the runway during this time.
The blocked time of civilian aircrafts during the week remains to be 15% on a weekly basis during the morning peak time hours.
Distance between Goa Airport to Important Places in Goa
Goa Airport to Vasco da Gama is
Goa Airport to Panjim (Capital of Goa) is 28 Km
Goa Airport to Margao is 28 Km
Goa Airport to Calangute Beach is 40 Km
Goa Airport to Baga Beach is 43 Km
Goa Airport to Mapusa is 42 Km
Goa Airport to Old Goa Church is 26 Km
Goa Airport to Ponda is 33 Km
Goa Airport to Canacona is 63 Km
Goa Airport to Palolem Beach is 62 Km
Goa Airport to Arambol Beach is 60 Km
Goa Airport to Terekhol Fort is 72 Km
Goa Airport to Dudhsagar waterfall is 70 Km
Also read :
Goa Travel Tips – Must Read Before Visit Goa
10 Best Place to visit in Old Goa in Half Day
Transportation to and from the Goa Airport
Tourists and passengers have plenty of soundly and reliable options to get to Dabolim Airport, as several buses, taxis and automobiles are accessible from different parts of Goa taking you directly to the Airport.
Public buses from various bus stations in Goa travel on a daily basis to Vasco da Gama, which is 4 km away from the Airport.
The buses also halt at a stop called Chicalim, which is no further than a kilometer away from the Airport. There are a lot of mini busses available at both these bus stops taking you directly up to the Airport.
For tourists looking to get out of Dabolim soon, can opt for the prepaid taxis lined up outside the Airport, awaiting your arrival.
You can download Goamile app and book the taxi at reasonable fare.
Goamiles is GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) Application approved with government rates of plying in the state of GOA.
Buses from Dabolim Airport to Panjim/ Calangute
Source : https://www.facebook.com/ktclgoa/
Goa Tourism Department, in partnership with Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) and Airport Authority of India, have started a new shuttle service (The air-conditioned Volvo bus )to and from the Dabolim airport to Calangute via Panjim, daily from 12th May, 2017.
Bus Fare from Dabolim Airport
Dabolim Airport to Panjim Bus fare is Rs. 150/-
Dabolim Airport to Calangute Bus fare is Rs. 200/-
The Best Hotels Near Goa Airport
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Beach Bay Cottages
Goa International Airport is 3 KM from the property.
Located 701 m from Indian Naval Aviation Museum, Beach Bay Cottages features free WiFi access and free private parking. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Every room at Beach Bay Cottage Resort is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms include views of the beautiful sea or garden.
The resort also offers car hire. Room service is available. A fixed breakfast is available.
Address : PO Bogmallo. Bogmallo Beach, 403806 Bogmalo, India
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Coconut Creek Resort
Coconut Creek Resort is offering modern rooms with a TV. It features a outdoor pool and a restaurant. The property has a free WiFi in all resort areas
Dabolim Airport is 3.1 miles from Coconut Creek Resort and 5 miles from Vasco Da Gama City. Margo Railway Station is 28 KM away.
All rooms feature a satellite TV, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. Private bathroom includes a stone bathtub or walk-in shower room, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can participate in a yoga and relax with a soothing massage at Spa.
A variety of cuisines are served at Terra Cotta Restaurant.
Address : Bimut Ward, 403806 Bogmalo, India
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Bogmallo Beach Resort
Bogmallo Beach Resort is 6.5 Km from Dabolim Airport.
It is nestled on the shores of Bogmalo Beach Goa. It houses a traditional Indian spa.
The rooms are fitted with a mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities are provided. Sightseeing arrangements and currency exchanges can be made at the tour desk.
Place to visit Near Goa(Dabolim) Airport
Bogmolo Beach
The highly famed and lovable Bogmallo Beach, is located near the city of Vasco in Goa.
Bogmallo beach is a place where one can experience a full load of adventures as well as a few leisure activities too.
This beach is a perfect spot for visitors to feel the serenity of the atmosphere, speckled with simple beauty for all to enjoy.
Naval Aviation Museum
The navy museum or (Naval Aviation Museum) is a huge project located in Bogmalo, which is 6 km away from Vasco da Gama, in Goa.
The museum aims at displaying and showcasing the evolution of the Indian Naval Air Arm over a number of years.
Its gates were first opened to visitors in the month of October 1998, and is till now considered to be the only Naval Aviation Museum of its kind in the whole of Asia.
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful and useful to you, in helping you plan a trip into the sun, sand and historically unique land of Goa. We hope to welcome you soon!
Frequently asked question on Goa Airport
How many airports are there in Goa?
The Goa Airport known as the Dabolim Airport is currently the only Airport in Goa for both domestic as well as international passengers.
Which beach is near to Goa airport?
The highly famed and lovable Bogmallo Beach, is located near the city of Vasco in Goa. Which is 3.8 Km from Goa Airport.
Where is Goa airport situated?
The Goa Airport known as the Dabolim Airport is situated on the plateau of the city of Dabolim.
What is the distance of lemon tree hotel from Goa airport?
The distance between Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim to Goa Airport (GOI) is around 35 Km.
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