Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 26: Goa has recorded a sharp decline in international air passenger traffic during the April-June quarter, with traffic at Dabolim falling 69 per cent and Mopa witnessing a 42 per cent drop, according to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The decline was significantly higher than the national trend. International passenger traffic across India fell by around 10 per cent during the first quarter of the financial year. Indian carriers recorded a 27 per cent decline in international passengers, while foreign airlines registered a 6 per cent increase.

As a result, the share of international passengers carried by Indian airlines fell from 46 per cent to 37 per cent.

Goa is among the smaller aviation markets to record a substantial contraction. Industry observers said percentage changes can be particularly pronounced at smaller airports when airlines withdraw or reduce services. Other Tier-2 cities, including Surat, Chandigarh, Indore, Kannur and Pune, also reported sharp declines.

The decline is notable as April-June is generally considered a strong travel period, supported by school vacations and increased leisure travel.

Among Indian carriers, Akasa Air was the only major exception, recording a 26 per cent rise in international passengers. IndiGo reported a 15 per cent decline, while Air India Express and SpiceJet recorded falls of 51 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively.

The reduction in Air India Express services has affected international connectivity, particularly to Gulf destinations. Its operations were affected by the conflict in West Asia, along with higher fuel prices and other operational pressures.

Major metropolitan airports recorded more modest changes. Kolkata registered an increase, Delhi remained broadly stable, while Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad recorded declines of 3.9 per cent, 5.3 per cent, 7.9 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.