The opening of Manohar International Airport (MIA), popularly called Goa Airport Mopa, in December 2022 was a significant moment in the evolution of Goa to a global-class tourism and investment hub. This state-of-the-art greenfield facility situated in Pernem Taluka, North Goa, is not merely an airport —it’s a strategic infrastructure project that is changing Goa’s economy, connectivity, and property sectors.
The single-runway Dabolim Airport, shared with the Indian Navy and limited in capacity, struggled for years to handle the growing number of passengers. To overcome these constraints and unlock Goa’s full tourism potential, authorities built the new Goa Mopa International Airport.
Why Goa Needed a Second Airport
Dabolim Airport, the existing facility in Goa, was severely overcrowded and had been at its limit for a long time, with the occasional flight delays resulting from the restricted civilian hours and congestion. As the tourism industry grew, the need for a second airport became obvious.
The Government of Goa and GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL) developed Goa Airport Mopa as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project. They executed it on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, combining private efficiency with public oversight. They invested ₹2,870 crore to build Mopa, meeting demand and ensuring unrestricted civilian operations.
The new airport is not simply a spare one; it is a major shift in the future of the northern belt of Goa, which is equipped to accommodate tourists and investors over the next several decades.
Inside Goa Mopa International Airport – Infrastructure & Design
Spanning a vast area, Goa Airport Mopa stands among India’s most advanced aviation facilities. Its 3,750-metre runway accommodates large aircraft such as Boeing 777-200s, while the passenger terminal—crafted by Nordic Office of Architecture—reflects Goan heritage through intricate décor and sustainable design.
Key highlights include:
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Phase 1 Capacity: 4.4 million passengers per year.
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Future Expansion: Up to 33 million passengers per year (MPPA).
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Eco-friendly Design: Solar power plant, LED runway lighting, rainwater harvesting, and a sewage-recycling plant.
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Sustainability Recognition: Ranked among the world’s top four airports in its category by Airports Council International.
The Manohar International Airport Mopa Goa represents a blend of modern engineering and Goan aesthetics — where technology meets tradition.
Connectivity & Location Advantages
The Goa Airport Mopa location is the best place for the northern coast and most of the tourist hubs. Mopa, which is about 35 km from Panaji and 90 km from Dabolim, gives travellers the easiest access to the popular beaches of Mandrem, Ashwem, Morjim, and Vagator.
Mopa Airport to Dabolim Airport
The road journey from Mopa Airport to Dabolim Airport is about 2 hours through NH-66, which is the main road that connects the north and the south of Goa.
With the Mopa-Pernem Link Road going on and the Goa–Mumbai Coastal Highway, the travel time will be even less, making it more convenient for tourists and business travellers.
Such a location has turned Mopa Airport into the most visited airport that is the entry point of visitors coming to North Goa.
Tourism Boom Airport Mopa
The Goa Mopa International Airport has been a major factor in increasing tourism numbers after its operations were started in early 2023. The capacity of the airport has in effect doubled the total air-traffic potential of Goa, which has made it possible to have more direct flights and shorter layovers.
After the establishment of the Mopa Airport, airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, Oman Air, and Qatar Airways are flying from Mopa to the metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, and also to the international destinations in the Gulf.
The result?
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New luxury resorts and boutique hotels in Pernem and Mandrem.
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Rise in homestays, cafés, and rental villas near Morjim and Ashwem.
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Increased employment in hospitality, retail, and logistics sectors.
Tourists now have faster, easier access to northern beach zones, spreading visitor traffic more evenly across the state — and boosting local businesses that once depended solely on seasonal demand.
Real Estate Growth Around Airport Mopa
Perhaps the biggest impact of Goa Mopa has been on real estate. In the 12 months since its inauguration, property values within 15 km of the airport have jumped 20–30%.
Emerging hotspots include:
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Pernem: Ideal for plotted-land investments.
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Mandrem & Siolim: Attracting luxury villa projects.
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Morjim & Arambol: Emerging eco-residential and wellness zones.
To meet investor demand, developers like House of Abhinandan Lodha are launching premium plots and residential townships. With Mopa Airport boosting convenience and tourism, this corridor is emerging as one of India’s most promising real estate hubs
North Goa’s real estate market now offers high rental yields, strong appreciation, and RERA–backed transparency, making it a safer and more profitable investment than ever. learn more
Dabolim Airport vs Mopa Airport – Key Differences
While both airports serve the same state, they cater to different needs.
| Feature | Dabolim Airport | Goa Airport Mopa |
|---|---|---|
| Location | South Goa | North Goa (Pernem Taluka) |
| Ownership | Indian Navy + Civil enclave | Fully civilian |
| Operations | Time-restricted | 24×7 commercial flights |
| Capacity | ~8 MPPA | Expandable to 33 MPPA |
| Tourist Access | South beaches | North Goa beaches |
Rather than competing, Dabolim Airport vs Mopa creates a dual-hub advantage, distributing traffic efficiently and ensuring better tourist access across Goa’s entire coastline.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Manohar International Airport Mopa Goa is a fine example of environmentally conscious expansion. The airport has created over 2,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs in hospitality and related sectors, construction, and logistics.
As a “green airport”, the facility is powered by environmentally friendly measures such as solar energy. Outside the field LED lighting and rainwater harvesting are a few of the measures that help reduce the airport’s carbon footprint and are also consistent with Goa’s eco-tourism image.
Moreover, the dedicated cargo terminal at the airport enhances the capacity of trade to local exporters, thus making Mopa the next logistics hub on the western coast of India.
Conclusion – Goa Airport Mopa: Gateway to the Future
The inauguration of the new Goa airport at Mopa has, in fact, changed the face of North Goa significantly. Besides comfortably handling the air traffic congestion, it is a major driver of infrastructure, tourism, and real estate getting upgraded to levels never seen before.
The Goa Mopa International Airport is a boon to the travellers, as they get easier access to tranquil beaches along with enjoying modern facilities. For investors, it is a landmark moment — a developing micro-market fuelled by infrastructure growth and increased demand.
As Goa becomes a year-round destination, Manohar International Airport Mopa drives the state’s next phase of prosperity.
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FAQs
1. What is Goa Airport Mopa and why was it built?
Goa Airport Mopa, officially called Manohar International Airport, Mopa Goa, serves as Goa’s second airport, easing congestion at Dabolim Airport. It handles increasing tourist traffic, operates without civilian restrictions, and connects travellers directly to North Goa’s beaches and resorts.
2. Where is Goa Mopa International Airport located?
Goa Mopa International Airport is located in Mopa village, Pernem Taluka, North Goa. Goa Airport Mopa lies 35 km from Panaji, near Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem beaches, making it ideal for North Goa tourists.
3. What is the difference between Dabolim Airport vs Mopa ?
The main difference between Dabolim Airport vs Mopa Airport lies in their operations and location.
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Dabolim Airport in South Goa shares space with the Indian Navy and has limited flight slots.
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Mopa Airport Goa is a fully civilian, modern airport operating 24×7 with higher passenger capacity and better access to North Goa.
4. How far is Mopa from Dabolim Airport?
The distance between Mopa Airport and Dabolim Airport is approximately 90 kilometres, taking around two hours by road via NH-66. Both airports complement each other—Mopa serves North Goa, while Dabolim caters mainly to the South.
5. How does Manohar International Airport Mopa Goa impact tourism and real estate?
Manohar International Airport Mopa Goa has doubled Goa’s air-traffic, boosted tourist arrivals, and raised land values in North Goa by 20–30%, attracting new villa and plot developments.
