By Our Chief Reporter

Mopa (Goa) : With the current pace of growth, India is going to be the largest aviation market globally in near future creating job opportunities around this sector, Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

Prabhu was in Goa to oversee the work on Greenfield airport coming up at Mopa in North Goa which is constructed by GMR Airport company. The airport is expected to have its first phase completed in the year 2020.

“The aviation sector in India is going to grow exponentially. Last month, we grew at 20 per cent. I feel if same trend continues we will be not only the largest market for aviation,” the minister said addressing a press conference at proposed Mopa airport site today, 40 kms away from Panaji. 

“We are marching towards becoming largest aviation market. And you cannot imagine the number of jobs created by the aviation industry,” he said.

Talking about Mopa airport, he said that the airport once it is operational will add to the revenue of the State. 

“By 2025, 30 million tourists would be coming to Goa annually because of this airport. We know that one tourist coming will generate 15 jobs and when we have airport of this kind, we will create so many jobs in Goa,” he added.

The minister said that Goa is poised towards the growth with the construction of Mopa airport.

Prabhu said that the 234 acres of land which is allotted for commercial exploitation around Mopa airport should be developed into Entertainment Park so that the passengers and tourists can spend their time here. 

He also said that the Mopa airport has the potential to become International Aviation Hub of Southern India. 

“We should think of making this airport as an international aviation hub of southern India because entire West Coast of India is serviced from here,” he said adding that 

“Every time international flight arrives, it gives more profit. More the flights, more the income, more tourists, more employment. It is really a win-win situation,” he said.