Dabolim International Airport

The Goa International Airport at Dabolim has a strategic location. It is at the center of the state, so you will never be far from the best beaches. Candolim, Baga, Colva, and Benaulim beach are all within a short drive away. It is just 4 kilometers from Vasco da Gama and the Mormugao Harbor area. So, the airport is popular with business traffic too. Panaji, Old Goa, the Grande Island… everything is close. The airport has two terminals and has good infrastructure. There are many flights to various parts of the world. There are charter flights to London, Manchester, and many Russian cities during the peak tourist season.

The airport is spread over 1,700 acres or 688 hectares. The terminal building has 65,600 square meters. It is also India’s 10th busiest airport, mostly because of a strong military and naval presence, which causes air traffic congestion. Military flight trainings are held, which means there are restrictions on runway use for the civilian flights. Of course, the huge number of tourists using the airport also causes congestion.

A new airport was planned in Goa to ease the congestion problem, especially during the peak season. Mopa village in North Goa close to the Maharashtra border was selected as the site. Flight operations from the Mopa airport started on January 5th 2023. The Mopa Airport can presently handle 4.4 million passengers every year. It will be gradually upgraded. The Dabolim Airport is still operational.

Dabolim Airport Map & Location

Goa’s popularity as a tourist destination also puts the two terminals under pressure. The terminal building was constructed to handle 5 million passengers every year. However, the Dabolim airport handled more than 8.36 million in 2019-20. Because of this, a second airport is being constructed at Mopa in north Goa. It will become operational in late 2022.

Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. It is also a port city, and there are many industries and businesses as well. It is also a base for the Indian Air Force. This makes Dabolim one of the busiest airports in India. Passenger and cargo traffic is expected to keep growing in the next few years.

Dabolim Airport – Quick Facts

Dabolim Airport Goa

Distance From Major Places In Goa

• Vasco da Gama – 4 kilometers
• Panaji – 27.7 kilometers
• Margao – 28 kilometers
• Baga beach – 41.8 kilometers
• Colva beach – 23.4 kilometers
• Arambol beach – 59.2 kilometers
• Palolem beach – 62.7 kilometers
• Dudhsagar waterfalls – 70.1 kilometers

The Two Terminals, Future Plans

The Dabolim airport has two terminals – one for domestic and one for international. The design features large steel structures, aesthetic glass, and frameless glazing. There are eight aerobridges. It has a modern baggage scanning system and sewage treatment plant. There are 22 immigration counters for departures, 18 counters for arrivals, 75 check-in counters, 14 booths for security checking, and 8 customs counters.

The terminal has good infrastructure for tourists. There are many shops, ATMs, a spa, baby care facilities, rest zones, mobile charging areas, information desks, smoking corners, and more. There is also a large car parking area just outside the terminals. A shuttle bus runs from the terminal to Calangute and Panaji. There are regular buses to Vasco da Gama and the port area.

However, despite the good infrastructure, the terminal can get crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. Goa receives 1200 international flights in a year and accounts for 93% of India’s charter flights. There can be long queues.

Because of this, a second airport is coming up at Mopa in north Goa. It would be much bigger and would be able to handle 2,750 passengers every hour or 4 million a year. It will have 5 passenger boarding bridges and separate terminals for cargo. There will be parallel taxiways. However, the Mopa Airport will be close to Goa’s border with Maharashtra and far from the main tourist areas.

Infrastructure at the Dabolim Airport

• There are currency exchange counters at both the terminals.
• ATM of Axis Bank and State Bank of India are located between the two terminals.
• There are shops selling clothes, books and chocolates
• There are counters selling food. But most food stalls sell only snacks and coffee. It may be difficult to find meals there.
• There are duty free shops in the international terminal.
• Baby care facilities and medical care services are both available.
• However, there is no locker facility for travelers.
• There is a spa in the airport.
• Rest zones and showers are not available.
• You will find mobile charging spots.
• No free Internet access. Wi-Fi is only via Tata Indicom.
• There is an information desk both in the international and domestic terminals.
• There is a pre-paid taxi booking counter in the arrival hall.
• Smoking area in both the terminals.

ON ARRIVAL

• There is airport bus service that will take you to the terminal.
• You have to pass through customs control.
• Fill out and submit the Arrival card in customs.
• There is one luggage claim area. It has two carousels.
• Luggage-carts and trolleys are available.
• It is best to avoid currency exchange at the airport. You will get better rates elsewhere in Goa.
• There is a pre-paid taxi booth in the exit area. Taxis can take you to anywhere in Goa. The prices are government approved and not negotiable.
• Closest railway station – Dabolim. It is just 1.3 kilometers from the airport.

ON DEPARTURE

• Only passengers with a valid ticket are allowed into the terminal after checking. For international flights, you have to reach 4 hours before your flight time. It is 2 hours for domestic flights.
• You have to pass through security and customs control.
• Check-in is performed according to a carrier, not by flight number.
• You have to submit the filled out Departure card in customs.
• It is highly recommended that you pack your luggage. Luggage wrapping machine is located in the international departures hall. Luggage-carts are to be used before check-in. There is no luggage compartment.
• The airport has limited food counters. There is a cafe and the snack vending machine in the international hall.