Seaplane service to connect Lakshadweep Islands with Kochi in Kerala state

India is on the verge of opening a new chapter in regional aviation with the launch of the country’s first scheduled commercial seaplane service linking Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands.

Expected to commence within days, the service promises to significantly improve connectivity to the remote island territory while offering travellers a unique flying experience over the Arabian Sea.

Operated by SkyHop Aviation, the new route is expected to begin commercial operations after receiving final regulatory clearances.

Sources indicate that the inaugural flight is likely to take place on Monday (22 June), with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu expected to formally launch the service.

The project has been developed under the Union government’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which seeks to make air travel more affordable while improving transport links to underserved regions.

The service will be operated using a Canadian-built Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter, a twin-engine amphibious aircraft capable of taking off and landing on both conventional runways and water surfaces.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most reliable utility aircraft, the latest 400-series Twin Otter is designed for short take-off and landing operations and can carry up to 20 people, including two pilots and a cabin crew member.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of 337 kmph and can complete the Kochi-Lakshadweep journey in approximately 80 minutes.

Unlike conventional airline services, the seaplane will not offer onboard meals or toilet facilities owing to the relatively short duration of the flights.

Operations will initially connect Kochi with five islands in Lakshadweep, namely, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Agatti, Kadmat and Kiltan. While ticket prices have not yet been announced, officials expect fares to remain affordable under the UDAN subsidy framework, potentially keeping prices below 6,000.