Goa, March 28 -- The passenger traffic at Goa's Mopa Airport, which commenced operations in 2022, has been witnessing a significant surge, while Dabolim Airport has reported a decline in passenger numbers.

The sharp increase in international travelers at Mopa, coupled with a notable drop at Dabolim, has sparked debate over whether Goa's tourism industry has actually expanded or if passengers have merely shifted between the two airports.

According to the Economic Survey report and responses in the Legislative Assembly, the number of international passengers at Dabolim Airport dropped from 4,81,913 in 2023 to 3,02,130 in 2024.

Conversely, international traffic at Mopa Airport saw a sharp rise, increasing from 13,845 in 2023 to 1,01,804 i...