Travel

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


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.

Spotlight

GM Rao: From Andhra Roots to Global Runways


GMR Group founder GM Rao has earned the moniker “Airport Tycoon of India”, and for good reason. Under his leadership, the GMR Group operates and manages India’s largest airports while also expanding its influence in Greece, the Philippines, and beyond.

Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, GM Rao began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 with a jute mill. Over the years, that seed of ambition grew into a diversified empire comprising 28 companies across energy, transportation, aviation, and urban infrastructure.

With a net worth of ₹25,060 crore, Rao stands among India’s 100 richest individuals, as per Forbes.

🏢 GMR Group at a Glance:

  • Revenue: ₹10,836 crore
  • Key Companies: GMR Airports, GMR Infrastructure, GMR Energy, GMR Enterprises
  • Airport Portfolio:
    • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
    • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
    • Manohar International Airport, Goa
    • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (in collaboration with MIHAN India)

Internationally, GMR has active airport projects in Greece and the Philippines, making it the second-largest private airport operator globally.

In January 2024, GMR further cemented its commitment to aviation by launching the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

Beyond infrastructure, GM Rao also owns a 50% stake in IPL team Delhi Capitals, blending business with the cricketing passion of millions.

💡 Visionary in PPP Projects

One of Rao’s lasting legacies is his effective use of the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Through this approach, GMR has led transformative projects that bridge gaps in critical infrastructure, fuel growth, and create sustainable models of development.

GM Rao’s story is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and nation-building. From a single jute mill to shaping the future of air travel and infrastructure in India and abroad, he remains a monumental figure in the country’s economic landscape.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa’s Manohar International Airport crosses the 10 Million Passengers’ Mark


Goa, June 17, 2025 – Manohar International Airport (GOX), developed and operated by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd. (GGIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited is proud to announce that it has handled the arrival of 10 million passengers within 2 years and 4 months of its operations.

Manohar International Airport currently handles a total of 7 domestic airlines and 5 international airlines, which offer direct flights to over 19 domestic & 6 international destinations across the globe; alongside offering daily hub services to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, which connect to hundreds of worldwide destinations.

The gradual increase in the number of passengers using Manohar International Airport & airlines operating from GOX is a testimony that GOX is emerging as a preferred airport for passengers & airline partners. With modern infrastructure, a state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building, and a plethora of avenues to shop, dine, and relax,  Manohar International Airport is equipped to provide a fun-filled, seamless travel experience.

The airport has curated Goan merchandise, souvenir shops, and art galleries that support local artisans & craftsmen. It is a one-stop destination to cherish domestic panache while savouring local & international delicacies. It offers an ample seating area allowing guests to relax, soak up the vibrant Goan culture, and create lasting memories.

 With new and flexible flying schedules for domestic and international routes, unconstrained connectivity, e-Visa facilities, and modern infrastructure, Manohar International Airport is equipped to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all its passengers.

Mr. RV Sheshan, CEO of GGIAL, shares his gratitude on this momentous occasion, stating, “Since the time of our inauguration, various airlines, connected destinations, and services for our esteemed travellers have been added, but one thing remains the same – our commitment to the comfort and safety of passengers. This is, and has always been our top priority.

I would like to thank all passengers who have contributed to this milestone by using Manohar International Airport. I would also like to thank our airline partners, concessionaires, concerned Govt departments, Govt of Goa,  MOCA & last but not least our airport staff for their everyday commitment and efforts to ensure the best possible passenger services, baggage, and aircraft handling.”