Manohar International Airport (Mopa) (GOX) — complete Goa (North) airport guide
Quick answer: Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa in Pernem, North Goa, is Goa's greenfield airport that opened to commercial flights in January 2023. It is distinct from the older Dabolim Airport (GOI) in South Goa. GOX operates from a single modern passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights. It lies roughly 35 km from Panaji (about 60-75 minutes), and is closest to North Goa beaches like Mandrem, Morjim and Calangute. Busiest links are metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, plus Gulf routes. The one thing to know: GOX (Mopa) and GOI (Dabolim) are two different airports — book the right one. Verify on the official airport site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Goa (North) fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
Goa (North) airport (GOX) — quick facts
- IATA / ICAO code: GOX / VOGA
- City served: Goa (North), Goa
- Distance to city: ≈ 35 km to Panaji; closest to North Goa beaches
- Operator: GMR Goa International Airport Ltd
- Traffic: A fast-growing new-generation airport serving North Goa.
Terminals at Goa (North) airport
GOX has a single large passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights under one roof, so there is no inter-terminal transfer to worry about — you simply follow the domestic or international signage inside the building. Domestic operations cover carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Air India Express, while the international wing handles Gulf and other overseas routes. Remember this is the Mopa airport in North Goa, separate from Dabolim (GOI) in the south. Confirm your airport and section on the official website.
How to get from Goa (North) airport to the city
- GoaMiles app cabs: the Goa government's official app-based taxi service operates from the airport with metered, government-approved rates — a transparent way to reach Panaji, Mapusa or the beaches.
- Prepaid taxis: a prepaid counter in the arrivals hall issues fixed-fare tickets, useful given Goa's traditionally taxi-union-driven pricing.
- KTC electric AC buses: the state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation runs air-conditioned electric shuttle buses from the airport to Mapusa, Panaji and other hubs — the most budget-friendly option.
- Car rental / self-drive: rental desks offer cars and (subject to availability) two-wheelers, popular for exploring Goa independently.
- Pre-booked hotel transfers: many North Goa hotels and resorts arrange pickups, handy because Mopa is closer to North Goa than to South Goa.
- Outstation/airport taxis: local operators provide door-to-door cabs to South Goa, Gokarna or onward destinations for longer journeys.
- There is no metro or rail link at the airport itself — plan on road transport (bus, taxi or app cab) for the transfer.
Airlines flying from Goa (North) (GOX)
Domestic carriers IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Air India Express serve GOX, connecting Goa to metros and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune and Kolkata. International flying is led by the Gulf, with routes such as Doha and Sharjah, alongside seasonal/charter overseas services. The route map is still maturing as Mopa grows; confirm current destinations on the airline or airport site.
Lounges at GOX
GOX has lounge facilities in the departures area, with at least one airport-operated lounge and a private-operator lounge available; the private lounge has been noted as operating 24 hours, useful for early or late departures. Access is typically via Priority Pass, eligible credit/debit cards, lounge-membership programmes or pay-at-the-door walk-in. Because lounge operators and entry prices can change as the airport matures, confirm the current lounge and your card's eligibility on the official airport site before you fly.
Popular flights from Goa (North)
Compare live fares on the busiest Goa (North) routes:
Frequently asked questions
Is GOX (Mopa) the same as Goa's Dabolim airport?
No. GOX is Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa, opened in 2023; Dabolim (GOI) is the older airport in South Goa. They are about 60-70 km apart, so check your ticket carefully and travel to the correct airport for your flight.
How do I get from Mopa airport to North Goa beaches?
Mopa is closest to North Goa. Use GoaMiles app cabs or prepaid taxis from arrivals, or KTC's AC electric buses to Mapusa/Panaji and onward. Calangute/Baga and the northern beaches are roughly a 40-60 minute drive depending on traffic and exact beach.
Is there parking at Mopa airport?
Yes, the terminal has dedicated short- and long-term parking with separate drop-off and pickup zones. Charges are tiered by duration and vehicle type and may change, so check the official airport parking information for current rates before you go.
How early should I arrive at GOX?
Plan for about 2 hours before a domestic flight and around 3-3.5 hours before an international one, allowing for the longer drive from many parts of Goa. Always follow your airline's specific check-in cut-off, which can be stricter.
Prepaid taxi or GoaMiles app — which is better?
Both give regulated pricing. Prepaid taxis from the arrivals counter offer a fixed printed fare with no surprises; GoaMiles is the government's metered app service. Either avoids ad-hoc bargaining; choose based on availability and your preference for app booking versus a counter.
Are there hotels near Mopa airport?
Hotel options immediately around Mopa/Pernem are still developing, but North Goa stays around Mandrem, Morjim, Arambol and Mapusa are within a reasonable drive. For very early flights, a North Goa base near the airport reduces the morning commute. Confirm transfer times when booking.
Book Goa (North) flights with FlightGPT
FlightGPT is an AI flight search built for Indian travellers. Ask in plain English — "cheapest flight from Goa (North) next weekend" — and we compare live GOX fares across every airline, OTA and trusted travel agent, then hand you straight to the provider to book. No markups, no surprise fees.