Seaplane

Gurugram, India: India is preparing to enter a new phase of regional aviation connectivity with the launch of its first dedicated commercial seaplane operations, following regulatory clearance granted to SkyHop Aviation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Gurugram-based startup has secured an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), formally authorising it to begin commercial seaplane services, making it the country’s first dedicated operator in this segment. SkyHop Aviation is expected to commence operations in the coming months of 2026, with Lakshadweep identified as the first operational region. The initial phase will focus on, connecting five islands within Lakshadweep and linking these islands to the Indian mainland, likely via Kochi The project forms part of a broader push to enhance last-mile connectivity in regions where traditional airport infrastructure is limited or unviable. Operations will begin using 19-seater amphibious aircraft, primarily the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, a globally proven platform for short take-off and water landings. The airline has also reportedly leased multiple Twin Otter aircraft for initial deployment on island and coastal routes. The AOC approval follows a series of successful test operations conducted in April 2026, which validated the feasibility of seaplane operations in Indian conditions. Key trials include: April 6, 2026 – Ganga Barrage, Rishikesh: Successful water take-off and landing demonstration Marked India’s first major operational test of a commercial seaplane platform Tehri Lake, Uttarakhand: Additional validation of water-based operations in inland conditions These trials were critical in securing DGCA certification and proving operational readiness for commercial deployment. SkyHop Aviation is positioning itself as a regional connectivity enabler, targeting underserved and remote geographies. Its initial operational model includes, short-haul inter-island routes, mainland-to-island connectivity and future expansion to coastal, riverine and remote inland destinations The airline is also evaluating opportunities beyond Lakshadweep, including other high-potential regions where travel remains time-consuming due to geographic constraints. The seaplane initiative aligns with the Government of India’s renewed focus on alternative aviation infrastructure: Budget 2026 announced incentives for domestic seaplane manufacturing A viability gap funding scheme is proposed to support operations The plan complements the regional connectivity scheme (UDAN) SkyHop Aviation is led by Avani Singh, daughter of SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh, bringing established aviation experience into the venture. The launch is expected to, reduce travel time between islands from hours (by sea) to under an hour by air, unlock connectivity to regions where airport construction is difficult, boost tourism in Lakshadweep and similar destinations

India Set To Launch First Commercial Seaplane Airline As SkyHop Secures DGCA Clearance

Aviation Today News Desk April 28, 2026

Gurugram, India: India is preparing to enter a new phase of regional aviation connectivity with the launch of its first dedicated

Rishikesh, India: India’s emerging seaplane operator SkyHop Aviation has successfully completed a key test flight at the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh, marking a significant step toward launching the country’s first private commercial seaplane services. The trial, conducted earlier this week, involved a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter fitted with amphibious floats, enabling it to take off from and land on water. The aircraft executed multiple water operations during the demonstration, validating its performance in riverine conditions and underscoring the feasibility of seaplane services in India’s inland waterways. The development comes as SkyHop moves closer to operational readiness, having already secured a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and now progressing toward obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Regulatory clearance remains the final milestone before commercial deployment. According to company officials, the test is part of a broader plan to introduce scheduled and charter seaplane services connecting remote and underserved regions, particularly areas where conventional airport infrastructure is limited or unviable. The airline has identified island territories and coastal regions as priority markets, with initial operations expected to focus on routes linking the mainland with Lakshadweep. The Twin Otter platform, widely used in rugged and short-haul environments globally, offers seating for up to 19 passengers and is known for its short take-off and landing capabilities. Its amphibious configuration allows operations from both land runways and water bodies, making it suitable for India’s diverse geography, which includes extensive coastlines, rivers, and inland water systems. The test was a revival of India’s seaplane ambitions, which have seen limited progress despite earlier government-backed initiatives under the regional connectivity framework. If successfully scaled, seaplane operations could complement existing aviation networks by reducing travel time to remote destinations and opening new tourism corridors. However, challenges remain. Experts point to the need for clear regulatory frameworks for water aerodromes, coordination with local authorities, environmental clearances, and seasonal variability in water levels, particularly in river-based operations. Commercial viability will also depend on pricing, demand generation, and infrastructure readiness at potential destinations. Despite these hurdles, SkyHop’s successful demonstration at Rishikesh signals renewed momentum in India’s niche aviation segment. With certification processes underway, the coming months will be critical in determining whether seaplane services can transition from experimental trials to a sustainable commercial model in the country.

SkyHop Conducts Successful Seaplane Test, Advances India’s Commercial Launch Plan

Aviation Today News Desk April 8, 2026

Rishikesh, India: India’s emerging seaplane operator SkyHop Aviation has successfully completed a key test flight at the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh,

New Delhi, India: India’s Civil Aviation Ministry now plans to relaunch seaplane operations across at least two domestic routes by October, confirmed Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Speaking at the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference, Minister Naidu noted that while seaplane operations were previously limited to a single route, the government has now simplified the guidelines to ease relaunch efforts These relaxed norms cover the setup of waterdromes, pilot training procedures, and operational regulations. Under the new rules, seaplanes can be deployed on any water body with a minimum depth of five feet and at least 200 meters of landing space. The anticipated routes include locations across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kerala, or Andhra Pradesh, with the potential for future extensions to Odisha’s Chilika Lake and other parts of the eastern coastline. Minister Naidu encouraged airline operators to seize this opportunity, highlighting its “huge potential” for improving connectivity. He also invited state governments to propose innovative locations to expand the seaplane network. India's seaplane services were initially launched in October 2020 by SpiceJet's subsidiary, Spice Shuttle, with a 15-seater Twin Otter 300 aircraft operating between Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. The service aimed to enhance regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, offering affordable travel options to remote destinations. The pandemic disrupted operations, and the airline faced challenges in procuring its own fleet of seaplanes. By April 2021, SpiceJet decided to discontinue the service, citing these operational reasons. Additionally, Naidu pointed out the growing demand for pilots, revealing that 1,700 aircraft are currently on order, each requiring between 20 to 30 trained pilots. To meet this demand, India must generate approximately 3,000 pilots annually. To elevate training standards, the Ministry will introduce a ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) starting in October. The conference was officially inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with other dignitaries such as Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mohol Murlidhar, Chhattisgarh Minister Om Prakash Choudhary, and senior civil aviation officials in attendance.

India to Revive Seaplane Services with Fresh Routes and Relaxed Norms from October

Aviation Today News Desk September 2, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s Civil Aviation Ministry now plans to relaunch seaplane operations across at least two domestic routes by October,

Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity firm, is reportedly close to reacquiring Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) for $500 Million | Aviation Today

Blackstone to Reacquire Trans Maldivian Airways, World’s Largest Seaplane Operator

Aviation Today News Desk March 17, 2025

Picture credits: Trans Maldivian Airways Maldives: Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity firm, is reportedly close to reacquiring Trans Maldivian Airways

Seaplane

India Set To Launch First Commercial Seaplane Airline As SkyHop Secures DGCA Clearance

SkyHop Conducts Successful Seaplane Test, Advances India’s Commercial Launch Plan

Blackstone to Reacquire Trans Maldivian Airways, World’s Largest Seaplane Operator

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