Do you think Mopa airport with take Goa the disastrous Spanish way?

Yes. The Dabolim airport is centrally located. I do not think the state has the capacity or the infrastructure to support another airport. The location of the airport is most important. Located in North Goa, an airport at Mopa cannot be sustained for too long. Goa is no longer the No. 1 tourist destination. We could quite possibly go the Spanish way, where a private airport eventually led to a detrimental impact on their economy.Also, we need to remember that Goa no longer attracts tourist like before.
Jojo D'Souza
Writer/director, Vasco
When it was first proposed, I was in favour of the Mopa airport. I am from Pernem, and I was initially under the impression that the Mopa airport would contribute to the development of Pernem. Lately, however, the benefits of the airport to the people of Pernem in particular, and Goans at large, is unclear. We should take into consideration who the real beneficiaries of this airport will be. We can avoid going the Spanish way by expanding the Dabolim airport. I feel, the Mopa plateau can be developed through eco-tourism instead.
Shashikant Punaji
writer, Pernem
I definitely think the Mopa airport will go the disastrous Spanish way. There is absolutely no need for a second airport. Firstly, the proposed airport is located at the extreme end of the state, which will create a problem for the tourist areas in South Goa. Dabolim airport's central location is ideal. The Navy's claim to the Dabolim airport is illegal. The proposed airport will be located in an ecological hotbed, where massive amounts of mud will be used to fill up the land. It will also have a negative impact on the economy in the long run. Why should the Dabolim airport be sacrificed to the Navy? Mopa was not on the BJP's manifesto initially, and the late Matanhy Saldanha was against this airport. He joined the BJP as Mopa was not on the agenda. Now that the land mafia is calling the shots, the plans for the project seem to be taking shape.
Floriano Lobo
general secretary, Goa Suraj Party, Moira
Definitely. No where in the country can airports in such close proximity survive. The proposal of this airport is a political gimmick enforced on the people because of the value of land. At the most, the government should consider expanding the Dabolim airport. If the Mopa airport is constructed, it will be a wait-and-watch situation to see its impact on Goa's economy.
Savio Pinto
Travel agent, Verna