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Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660
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Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/
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Dabolim airport Landing capacity under-utilised: Navy
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The naval authorities have said that though the Dabolim
airport was available for operations, it has not been utilised
by the operators of scheduled and chartered flights after 6 p.m
adding that there was ample scope for accommodating large
number of commercial flights in the time slot from
6 p.m to 6 a.m.
In a statement released here today, the public relations officer
of Indian Navy at Dabolim, Commander Afzal Khan, has also
stated that no commercial aircraft has ever been denied landing
at Dabolim and that it was committed towards the growth of
tourist traffic by way of mutually working out flight schedules.
The statement comes in wake of press reports mentioning
presence of navy at Dabolim and call from some quarters over
its shifting. The naval authorities have said that demand for
shifting was an off shoot of ongoing debate on proposed
construction of new airport at Mopa, adding that decision on
Mopa rests with central government.
The 12-hour slot for night landing could be utilised like any other
international airfield in the country to meet the growing traffic needs,
the statement added.
The authorities have also virtually ruled out shifting its base from
Dabolim airport to Karwar base in Karnataka on the ground that
there was no airfield in Karwar naval base and though there was a
provision in the blueprint of the Sea Bird project during the next
Five-Year Plan, the same could be utilised only for helicopters.
The topography and geographical location of Karwar may not permit
construction of airfield from where bigger and faster jet aircraft can
be operated, the naval authorities have said in a statement
released here.
They have also said that Karwar may eventually come up as a major
naval base for ships and submarines. The restrictions of terrain do
not indicate potential for supporting naval aviation, the naval authorities
have said adding that Karwar was presently capable of berthing ships
and submarines only, and not aircraft, as there was no airfield there.
The statement also states that scope for accommodating commercial
flights at Dabolim was tremendous, but increased traffic will also need
round the clock passenger facilities at the civil terminal, adding further
that most international airfields abroad have a closed down period at
night but there was no restriction in Goa.
The naval authorities have also said that ministry of defence has
extended the runway, created double lighting circuit, enhanced fire
services, navigational aids, radar and provided additional manpower
only for round the clock operation of commercial flights, as they are
not a mandatory requirement for military aircraft.
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The Navhind Times 21/09/05 page 1
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GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
website: www.goadesc.org
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Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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