Tag: Dabolim Airport

Travel

Goa Sees Sustained Rise in Tourist Arrivals as 2025 Figures Signal Strong Momentum

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa continues to consolidate its position as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations, with provisional figures for 2025 reflecting strong and sustained growth across both domestic and international tourist segments. The data points to a steady post-pandemic recovery, driven by improved air connectivity, revival of charter operations, cruise tourism, and a growing focus on quality and regenerative tourism.

In 2025, the State recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals, with domestic tourism forming the backbone of this growth while international arrivals showed a gradual and consistent revival. The operationalisation of Manohar International Airport at Mopa alongside Dabolim Airport has significantly enhanced Goa’s global connectivity, resulting in increased international scheduled flights and a balanced distribution of air traffic.

Charter tourism, traditionally a strong contributor to Goa’s inbound segment, has continued its gradual recovery, while cruise tourism has further complemented the State’s tourism profile by attracting both foreign and domestic passengers. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated that the year-wise data reflects the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and the effectiveness of sustained efforts towards structured and balanced growth, with a clear emphasis on quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and the economy.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also highlighted that coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, destination management, and market outreach have played a key role in strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

As the Department of Tourism continues to diversify source markets, improve visitor services, and promote regenerative tourism practices, Goa remains focused on ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the State’s long-term vision of preserving its natural and cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.

Travel

AAI, Travel Food Services Host Christmas Celebrations at Dabolim Airport

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

The Airports Authority of India, Dabolim Airport, in association with Travel Food Services Limited, organised a Christmas celebration at the Travel Club Lounge at Dabolim Airport, Goa, on December 23, 2025, marking the festive season with warmth and joy while enhancing the overall passenger experience.

The celebration featured a delightful blend of culinary indulgence and festive activities. Passengers and guests were treated to a special Christmas masterclass showcasing the preparation of Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce, highlighting culinary expertise and service excellence. Adding to the festive charm, children participated in a hands-on cookie decoration activity, while a Santa entourage spread cheer and excitement throughout the lounge area.

Extending the spirit of Christmas beyond the lounge, muffins were distributed to children across the airport terminal, ensuring young travellers also shared in the festive joy. The initiative brought smiles to passengers and families alike, creating a lively and welcoming ambience throughout the airport.

The Christmas celebration reflected the joint commitment of Airports Authority of India and Travel Food Services Limited to curate engaging and culturally relevant festive experiences within the airport environment. By integrating hospitality, culinary engagement and thoughtful festive gestures into the passenger journey, Dabolim Airport continues to strengthen its position as a customer-centric and experience-driven aviation hub.

Flt Lt Akash Deep, Airport Director, along with senior officials from the Airports Authority of India, CISF, airline representatives and other stakeholders, were present during the celebrations.

Travel

Goa Welcomes First Charter Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan for 2025–26 Tourism Season

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism welcomed the first charter flight of the 2025–26 season from Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 25th October 2025, marking the beginning of a promising new tourism season. Operated by SCAT Airlines (Flight SCAT VSV5212), the flight arrived at Dabolim Airport, South Goa, at 5:30 AM, bringing enthusiastic travellers eager to explore Goa’s diverse offerings beyond its famous beaches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted that the arrival of the first charter flight from Kazakhstan demonstrates Goa’s growing international connectivity and appeal as a global destination. Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added that each new charter flight strengthens Goa’s position as a preferred leisure destination, thanking travel partners and stakeholders for their support in promoting seamless operations at Dabolim and Mopa airports.

To mark the occasion, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Concord Exotic Voyages and TTAG, organized a warm and festive welcome for the guests, featuring a brass band performance, floral garlands, and a cake-cutting ceremony. The inaugural flight signals the start of a season expected to see several charter operations from other international destinations in the coming weeks. Goa Tourism continues to enhance visitor experiences through cultural, adventure, wellness, and heritage offerings under the “Goa Beyond Beaches” initiative, reinforcing the state’s position as a world-class leisure destination.

Travel

Goa International Airport, Dabolim to Celebrate ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025’ with Passenger-Centric Initiatives

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Goa International Airport, Dabolim, will join the nationwide observance of ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025’ on 17th September, reaffirming its commitment to passenger convenience, cultural integration, and community engagement.

Handling nearly 7.5 million passengers annually, the airport is jointly managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Navy. Known for its safety standards, operational efficiency, and traveler-friendly services, Goa Airport continues to innovate for both domestic and international flyers.

Highlights of Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025:

  • 🌸 Traditional Welcome: Arrival passengers greeted with Tika for a warm Goan touch.
  • 🌱 Tree Plantation Drive: Senior citizen passengers participating in an eco-friendly initiative.
  • 🎶 Goan Folk Dances: Cultural showcases at the arrival hall during peak hours.
  • 🎨 Painting Competitions: Engaging child passengers and Kendriya Vidyalaya students with themes ‘Save Environment’ and ‘Viman Yatra’.
  • 📸 Photo Booths: Selfie zones at arrivals and departures for lasting memories.
  • 🩸 Blood Donation Camp: Organized for staff with the Government District Hospital.
  • 🩺 Free Health Check-Up Desk: Managed by Manipal Hospitals for passengers.
  • 👀 Free Eye Check-Up for Taxi Drivers: In coordination with Victor Hospital.
  • 🎓 Career Guidance Programme: At Kendriya Vidyalaya-1, focused on aviation sector opportunities.
  • 📝 Passenger Feedback Drive: Pamphlets distributed to collect valuable insights for further service enhancement.

The Airport Director stated:

“The observance of Yatri Sewa Diwas is a testament to our sustained focus on passenger facilitation and our responsibility to local communities. These initiatives underscore our holistic approach to service excellence and community involvement.”

Goa International Airport invites all passengers, students, and community members to participate and celebrate this day, reflecting its ongoing mission to elevate travel experiences and strengthen passenger engagement.

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Goa’s infrastructure growth receives global recognition as Dabolim Airport named best AAI Airport

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In a significant milestone for Goa’s aviation sector, the Goa International Airport at Dabolim has been ranked as the best airport under the Airports Authority of India (AAI), based on the ASQ rating in the prestigious ACI-ASQ Survey 2024. This recognition reaffirms Goa’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and seamless travel experiences to visitors.

The announcement, made on the 30th Annual Day of AAI, highlighted Dabolim Airport’s exceptional service quality and passenger experience, placing it ahead of Chennai International Airport and Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

Goa’s tourism industry has witnessed robust growth, supported by significant improvements in connectivity and infrastructure. The state continues to enhance its transport facilities and develop sustainable tourism initiatives to ensure a superior experience for both domestic and international travellers. The ongoing expansion of tourism-related amenities aligns with the government’s vision of making Goa a premier travel destination while preserving its cultural and environmental integrity.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “The top ranking of Dabolim Airport reflects Goa’s dedication to excellence in hospitality and infrastructure. We are committed to further enhancing the state’s connectivity through strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, ensuring that Goa remains a world-class destination for travellers from across the globe.”

Shri George Varughese, Airport Director, Goa International Airport, Dabolim stated, “With great pride and immense pleasure I would like to announce that Goa international Airport, Dabolim has been awarded 1st rank among AAI Airports in India for ASQ rating in ACI -ASQ survey of 2024. This prestigious award is for outstanding service quality and passenger experiences. This recognition of our efforts makes us responsible as a team to serve better in providing state of art passenger facilities.”

The Government of Goa remains focused on sustainable and regenerative tourism, ensuring that infrastructure development harmonizes with the state’s rich heritage and natural beauty. From improved road networks to the expansion of eco-friendly tourism facilities, Goa continues to set new benchmarks in responsible tourism development.