Manohar International Airport, Mopa: Terminal, Code, Location, Connectivity and Amenities

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Manohar International Airport on 11 December 2022, Goa’s aviation history divided into a clear before and after. Before: a single military enclave at Dabolim that had been fighting capacity constraints for decades while trying to serve one of India’s most tourism-saturated states. After: a second international airport — a greenfield facility built from scratch on the hills of North Goa’s Pernem taluka, operated by GMR, designed for the 21st century, and named after Manohar Parrikar, the late Chief Minister of Goa who had long championed this project. Commercial operations began on 5 January 2023, and by 2025–26, Manohar International Airport had crossed 53 lakh passengers — firmly establishing itself as the primary aviation gateway to Goa.

Quick Overview: Manohar International Airport

Manohar International Airport Location: North Goa’s Pernem Hills

Manohar International Airport is located at Mopa village in Pernem taluka, at the northern tip of Goa. The coordinates are 15°43′56″N, 73°52′05″E, and the airport sits at an elevation of 552 feet above mean sea level — considerably higher than Dabolim, which sits at only 56 metres. The plateau terrain at Mopa required significant land levelling and engineering work during construction.

The airport is approximately 35 kilometres from Panaji (the state capital), about 40 kilometres from popular North Goa beaches like Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga, and 55 kilometres from Margao in South Goa. For travellers heading to North Goa’s beaches and resorts — by far the most visited tourism zones in Goa — Mopa represents a dramatically shorter road journey compared to Dabolim. This is the core travel case for GOX.

Named after Manohar Parrikar — Goa’s Chief Minister across multiple terms and India’s Defence Minister from 2014 to 2017 — the airport honours someone directly associated with Goa’s development during his tenure. The airport’s popular name Mopa Airport is also widely used alongside the official name.

Manohar International Airport Code: IATA GOX and ICAO VOGA

The airport’s IATA code is GOX and its ICAO code is VOGA. GOX is the booking identifier for Manohar International Airport across all airline platforms, boarding passes, and baggage systems. With Dabolim retaining code GOI, Goa now has two active IATA codes — an arrangement travellers must pay attention to when booking, since GOI and GOX serve different geographic zones of the same state and are handled by different operators.

Manohar International Airport Terminal: Modern Greenfield Design Inspired by Goan Culture

The terminal at Manohar International Airport is a single integrated passenger building handling both domestic and international operations. Covering approximately 700,000 square feet (roughly 65,000 square metres), the terminal was designed with Goan architectural elements — terracotta tiles, laterite stone textures, and a colour palette reflecting the state’s Portuguese-influenced heritage. The design is notably warmer and more locally rooted than the generic glass-and-steel aesthetic of many newer Indian airports.

The terminal is spacious, clean, and well laid out. Travellers consistently note the absence of the congestion and claustrophobia associated with Dabolim — a direct result of the greenfield design philosophy. Check-in counters, security lanes, departure gates, and international customs and immigration counters are all integrated into a single logical flow. E-wheelchair services are available for passengers with mobility needs.

The runway at 3,500 metres can accommodate wide-body aircraft including Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 class, giving the airport genuine international long-haul capability. A 5-megawatt solar power plant and zero-liquid discharge systems are part of the airport’s sustainability infrastructure, consistent with GMR’s environmental commitments across its airport portfolio.

Phase 1 capacity is 4.4 million passengers annually. The airport’s master plan includes phased expansion to ultimately handle up to 33 million passengers — a scale that would make it one of the larger airports in western India.

Manohar International Airport Connectivity: Airlines, Routes and Getting There

By Air: As of 2026, airlines operating from GOX include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air on domestic routes. Fly91, a Goa-based regional airline, uses Manohar International Airport as its hub. International operations include seasonal and scheduled services to European and Gulf destinations. The airport’s long runway enables wide-body international operations that Dabolim’s capacity profile made difficult. Specific current international routes should be verified on airline platforms before travel, as the international schedule at Mopa continues to evolve.

By Road: Taxis, app-based cabs, and dedicated airport shuttle services connect the airport to various parts of Goa. Travel time to Calangute or Anjuna beach is approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Panaji is roughly 50 to 70 minutes by road. South Goa destinations like Margao and Palolem are considerably farther — 75 to 90 minutes or more — making Dabolim (GOI) the better choice for South Goa travellers. KTCL (Kadamba Transport Corporation) buses provide a budget-friendly option at ₹200 to ₹500 for various destinations.

By Rail (Future): A rail connection between Mopa Airport and Pernem Railway Station has been discussed and proposed as part of Goa’s broader transport development plan. This link was in planning stages as of mid-2026 without a confirmed construction timeline.

Nearest Railway Station: Pernem Railway Station on the Konkan Railway is the closest rail node, approximately 12 to 15 kilometres from the airport.

Manohar International Airport Amenities: Modern Facilities for Goa’s New Gateway

Manohar International Airport’s amenity profile reflects its greenfield construction and GMR’s operational standards. The terminal has multiple food and beverage outlets offering a range of Indian and international options. Duty-free shops serve international departing passengers. Retail outlets carry travel essentials, Goa souvenirs, and branded merchandise.

Passenger lounges are available for eligible travellers. Seating areas throughout the departure hall are equipped with charging points and plug sockets — a practical feature travellers appreciate. Wi-Fi is available across the terminal. Medical assistance is in place. Baggage trolleys are provided.

The airport has a multi-level car parking facility. Ground transport including taxis and app-based services are accessible from the terminal exits. Hotels and resorts are available near the airport, serving layover travellers and those spending time in North Pernem before heading into Goa proper.

The terminal’s modern architecture, open interiors, and Goan design language make it a noticeably pleasant experience compared to the constrained Dabolim environment — this is the most immediate qualitative difference travellers report between the two airports.

FAQs: Manohar International Airport, Mopa

Q1. What is the IATA code for Manohar International Airport?

The IATA code is GOX and the ICAO code is VOGA. The older Dabolim Airport uses GOI. Always verify which airport your airline flies into when booking for Goa.

Q2. Is Mopa Airport better for North or South Goa?

Mopa (GOX) is significantly better for North Goa — Calangute, Anjuna, Baga, Vagator, and Arambol. For South Goa — Palolem, Colva, Margao — Dabolim (GOI) remains the more convenient option.

Q3. When did Manohar International Airport open?

The airport was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 11 December 2022, with commercial operations beginning on 5 January 2023.

Q4. Which airlines fly from Manohar International Airport (GOX)?

IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, and Fly91 (which uses Mopa as its hub) operate from GOX on domestic routes, plus international charter and scheduled services. Confirm current routes before booking.

Q5. What is the long-term passenger capacity of Manohar Airport?

Phase 1 capacity is 4.4 million passengers annually. The master plan envisages phased expansion to ultimately handle up to 33 million passengers per year.