Vasco: The activities at the Dabolim international airport seem to be returning to normalcy with the gradual rise in passenger footfalls and flight operations, amid COVID-19 pandemic crisis that has hit the world very badly.
Airport director Gagan Malik said that “Goa international airport is working tirelessly to ensure safe and secured environment for the passengers arriving or departing the airport and for all those working at airport too in the ongoing crisis of COVID-19 pandemic.”
He said that after the lockdown and Janata Curfew, the flight operations at the airport had totally collapsed.
The movement of passengers had come to a grinding halt due to the pandemic, he added.
“The domestic flight operation has begun to Goa airport from some airports, by taking care of passengers and people at large to prevent the spread of virus,” Malik said.
“The decision by the central government to start domestic flight operations, including at Goa airport was a welcome step. The passenger footfalls at Dabolim airport have been steadily increasing in the last couple of months after a drastic fall triggered by COVID-19-induced lockdown,” he said and added that the airport handled 22,028 passengers in the month of July compared to 20,474 passengers handled by the airport in June 2020.
“Only 4,498 passengers arrived at the airport in the month of May and 5,524 air passengers arrived to the state in the month of April, when total ban was imposed on regular domestic and international flights,” he added.
The airport director further said that “the flight operations peaked in the month of July to 318 from 265 which was recorded in the month of June. As compared to the month of April and May, the flight operations showed steady rise from 27 to 59. The Goa airport saw a steady rise in the flight movement since the month of April. These are the signs of normalcy returning.”
“The AAI and all its airports are committed to provide safe and secure air travel in the current times of COVID-19,” Malik observed.
Meanwhile, the 10th Vande Bharat Mission flight landed at the Dabolim airport on August 17, bringing 103 stranded Indians from Muscat.
The AAI officials followed all assistance and required protocols while handling the passengers on
their arrival.