AAI information

I recently had a chance to interact with AAI about Dabolim and Mopa. Orally, it was confirmed that the Navy is participating in the Belgaum expansion, and AAI is considering a Civil Enclave at the Karwar Naval Base. AAI also felt that a new airport is needed for Goa. However, a two  runway configuration was "futuristic".

I also sent some questions. The responses are below. The traffic forecasts (I have added the actuals) can be viewed here. It is worth noting that the 2045-46 forecast shows Goa's traffic above the current traffic at Delhi, India's busiest airport. The forecast works out to around 1,00,000 passengers a day (compared to Goa's population of 15,00,000)! The serious reader would find IMG document useful.

Demand side

1.  I have seen a reference in the ICAO Report done in 2007 for the Goa Government of a 2007 estimate of Goa's air traffic. What is the most recent estimates by AAI of air traffic in the future for Goa (Dabolim and/or Mopa)? Could I have a copy of the estimates?

Ans.   A copy of Traffic Forecast prepared by AAI of Goa Airport in respect of aircrafts movements, passengers and cargo up to the year 2045-46 is attached herewith.

 

2.  Do the estimates take into account the recent developments in airports around Goa, viz., greenfield airport in Sindhudurg, upgradation of Belgaum, Hubli & Kolhapur to handle A320s/Boeing-737s, and the possible civil enclave at Karwar?

 

Ans.   Yes Sir.   While preparing the traffic forecast of Goa Airport, AAI has taken into account the recent developments in airports around Goa, viz, greenfield airports in Sindhudurg, upgradation of Belgaum, Hubli & Kolhapur to handle A320s/Boeing-737s, and the possible Civil Enclave at Karwar.

 

Supply side

 

1.  The new terminal and associated works were approved in 2007. I read in the papers that the terminal is designed to handle 2,750 passengers per hour. What is the designed annual capacity of the civil enclave at Dabolim? What design parameters were used? Is there a document that I can look at?

 

Ans.   The Integrated Terminal Building has been designed for an Annual capacity of Approx.  4 Million Passengers. IMG Norms of 20 Sq. m / Pax for Domestic and 27.5 Sq.m / pax for International passengers have been used as Design parameters for the Integrated Terminal. The IMG document is available at the AAI website.

 

2.  Has an Master Plan been created for Dabolim (or its Civil Enclave)?

 

Ans.   Yes, a long term Master Plan has been developed for Dabolin which would require land from Indian Navy.

 

3.  The Indian Navy is participating in the expansion at Belgaum along with AAI. Newspaper reports are that this is for the Mig 29K fighters. There is a naval air base at Karwar as part of INS Kadamba expansion, and AAI is contemplating a civil enclave there too. Newspaper reports are also that the Sea Harriers fighters based at Dabolim are being phased out. In light of the above, the various operational constraints (time slots as well as land availability) at Dabolim could be eased considerably. Has there been a Master Plan created for Dabolim taking this into account?

 

Ans.   Master plan has been prepared based on availability of land at the existing airport. The process is dynamic and takes care of operational requirements as and when they arise. The easing of operations by Navy requires comments from Navy end.

 

Financial/ Regulatory

 

1.  Have the tariffs charged by AAI at Dabolim been approved by AERAI? Are the charges expected to change with the new terminal?

 

Ans. Not yet approved, we are following old tariff. AAI will file for Tariff approval once new terminal is ready. UDF will be sought for Goa Airport.