India’s first commercial seaplane service will start in Lakshadweep

SkyHop Aviation Private Limited has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

This enables the company to launch India’s first commercial seaplane service, with initial operations planned in the Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep.

It will enhance last-mile connectivity, reduce travel time, boost tourism and improve access to remote areas.

The 19-seater De Havilland Canada (DHC)-6 Twin Otter aircraft has been indigenously modified into a seaplane. It has been fitted with float attachments, allowing it to take off and land on water as well as short airstrips.

In the initial phase, five islands in Lakshadweep will be connected to the Indian mainland. Seaplane docks have been developed in Agatti, Kiltan and Kavaratti for this purpose.

Previous examples of seaplane service

This is the first time that an aircraft modified into a seaplane within India has taken flight. Earlier, seaplanes used in India were already manufactured as seaplanes and then operated domestically, but their long-term operational record remained mixed.

Earlier, after successful water take-off and landing trials at Ganga Barrage (Rishikesh) in Uttarakhand and Tehri Lake, the aircraft received the required certifications.

SpiceJet had earlier started a seaplane service in Gujarat for a short period, but it could not sustain long-term operations. This time, officials expect better outcomes due to renewed government focus on the service.

‘UDAN’ scheme

This initiative is linked to the 'UDAN' (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched by MoCA in 2016. Its objective is to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for common citizens.

Under UDAN, key innovations include the introduction of affordable passenger cafes at Kolkata and Chennai airports. UDAN Round 5.5 has been launched to invite bids from more than 50 identified water aerodromes across the country.

The Krishi Udan scheme, designed to support farmers and improve the value of agricultural produce, provides timely and cost-effective air logistics, especially from the Northeast, hilly and tribal regions.