Ever since its inauguration in January 2023, the Manohar International Airport at Mopa has become a hub and convenient getaway for tourists wanting to visit the popular beaches and resorts in North Goa.
The airport has catered to over 5 million passengers, transforming Goa’s air traffic landscape. It sustained consistent air traffic throughout the year, breaking historical trends of decline during the summer season.
The number of domestic destinations connected to Goa has more than doubled, now reaching 29 from the previous 14.
The positive impact on Goa's tourism industry has been taken note of by Skytrax, the international aviation research organisation which has rated the airport as being amongst the top 100 globally.
GMR Goa International Airport Ltd, a subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited, which announced the Skytrax rating, said within its first year of operations, the airport finds itself in the top 100 globally and that's a major feat.
Skytrax conducts the world’s largest Airport Customer Satisfaction survey, reflecting the opinions of travellers worldwide.
GMRGIAL said the achievement is a historic milestone for Goa, making MIA one of only five Indian airports to be included in the prestigious top 100 list, alongside GMR’s Delhi and Hyderabad airports.
CEO of GMRGIAL R V Sheshan said, "The Skytrax rating is a testament to GMR's relentless pursuit of excellence and speaks volumes about its dedication to passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency."
The Skytrax rating is a testament to GMR's relentless pursuit of excellence and speaks volumes about its dedication to passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency
R V Sheshan, CEO of GMR Goa International Airport Ltd
"This recognition by Skytrax is a proud moment for the great teamwork of the entire airport ecosystem comprising government agencies, both at the national and state level, airline partners, aeronautical and non-aeronautical service providers along with the people directly associated with MIA," Sheshan added.
Since its inauguration on January 5, 2023, MIA has seen remarkable achievements, including increased passenger growth, expanded routes, and the launch of international services.
Since its inauguration on January 5, 2023, MIA has seen remarkable achievements, including increased passenger growth, expanded routes, and the launch of international services.
It has connected Goa to 25 domestic and 4 international destinations, with major domestic airlines such as Indigo, Akasa Air, Vistara, and SpiceJet operating at MIA, along with international services by Air India, Oman Air, Indigo, and Tui.
The airport's commitment to innovation is evident through the implementation of the Digi Yatra program on April 1, 2024, which uses facial recognition technology for a faster and more seamless check-in process.
The ongoing Phase 3 Stage 1 expansion aims to accommodate 8 million passengers per annum, expected to be completed before the Winter schedule of 2024.
In November 2023, MIA was ranked among the top 15 airports in India by the Airports Authority of India, reflecting its rapid ascent in the aviation sector. MIA has also garnered multiple awards, including Best Passenger Experience Design by CII in 2023, Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport, Construction Safety, and Best Environmental Practices.
It achieved the IGBC Platinum Rating for the Passenger Terminal and the NIIF’s Health & Safety Excellence Award-2024.
MIA’s sustainability initiatives have earned it global recognition, including accolades at the International Airport Summit in London, CII India Design Summit, and the NIIF’s Environment and Social Summit 2024.