New Namo Airport Boosts Tourism and Industry in Daman

New Delhi, July 17 – The launch of a direct flight from Daman to Delhi marks a significant step for the region's economic landscape. Operated by Alliance Air, the service stems from the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) initiative, which aims to knit smaller towns into the national air network.

Namo Airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, stands as a dual‑use aerodrome shared with the Indian Coast Guard Air Station. The airport was constructed on a 25‑acre site at a total outlay of 124 crore rupees. Its state‑of‑the‑art terminal, covering 3,700 square metres, is designed to accommodate 14 ATR aircraft each day and can handle up to 367,000 passengers annually.

The ministry highlighted Daman, Diw, Dadra and Nagar Haveli's industrial significance, noting more than 7,000 operational units within these Union Territories. In adjacent Vapi and Valsad, another 15,000 factories operate, reinforcing the region's status as an industrial powerhouse. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to simplify executive travel, attract fresh capital and generate additional employment opportunities.

Tourism, a vital revenue stream for Daman, already attracts around two million visitors a year. The new direct flight is projected to increase that figure, encouraging greater spending on accommodation, food and local attractions. Future plans include runway expansion for larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and the rollout of direct services to major cities like Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad and Patna.