Goa airport to continue to cater to civilian traffic: CM Parrikar

Panaji, July 18 (IANS) Goa's international airport at Dabolim, operating from a naval base, will continue to be used for civilian air traffic even after the commissioning of the one in Pernem, 45 km from Panaji, the state government informed the assembly on Tuesday.

"The government has made it very clear in the tendering process of Mopa airport project that civilian enclave at the Dabolim airport will continue to function even after the commissioning of the airport in Pernem," Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply tabled in the house.

Parrikar said the government feels that both Dabolim and Mopa airports have to function simultaneously for civilian operations to promote tourism in the coastal state.

Goa attracts more than four million tourists annually.