Is seaplane travel set to begin in India? A new chapter is about to begin in India’s aviation sector as seaplane-based travel is set to be introduced in the country soon. To pave the way for commercial operations on the waterway, Skyhop Aviation has received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

With this approval, the company is preparing to launch India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane service. It is expected that this will mark a significant shift towards water aerodrome-based connectivity in the country.

Operations will begin in Lakshadweep, with the first phase connecting five islands. A link with the mainland is also part of the rollout plan. The service will use a 19-seater aircraft designed for short-haul water operations.

Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, said the AOC marks a key step forward for the company. It gives us the foundation to move forward with confidence, she said, adding that the company is grateful to the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for their guidance and support through the approval process.

An Air Operator Certificate is the regulator’s clearance that allows an operator to begin commercial flight services. It confirms that the DGCA has reviewed and approved safety systems, operational procedures, training standards and technical readiness.

SkyHop Aviation is positioning itself as a seaplane-focused operator aimed at improving connectivity across islands, coastal regions and other locations where airport infrastructure is limited or difficult to build.

The company expects seaplanes to cut travel time and improve access, particularly in tourism-driven destinations, while also creating new regional routes.

While Lakshadweep will be the starting point, the company is also looking at possible expansion to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Kerala’s backwaters, coastal Gujarat, parts of the Northeast, and select inland water bodies. Any expansion, however, will depend on regulatory approvals, environmental clearances and safety requirements.

If the model scales, seaplane operations could add a new layer to India’s tourism and regional air connectivity network. It can offer faster links to remote destinations and opens up areas that are currently harder to access.

• SkyHop Aviation has received its Air Operator Certificate from the DGCA.
• The company is preparing to launch commercial seaplane operations in India.
• SkyHop’s first phase will connect the five islands of Lakshadweep with each other and the mainland
• This will be done using a 19-seater aircraft.
• The airline is also evaluating opportunities in other parts of the country.
• SkyHop is being developed as India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs) for your understanding:

FAQs related to the article

Q1 Why is this important?

India has several islands and coastal regions where building airports is not practical or cost-effective. Seaplanes offer an alternative mode of connectivity.

An Air Operator Certificate is the official approval from the DGCA that allows a company to start commercial flight operations after meeting safety and regulatory requirements.

Q3 What will SkyHop Aviation operate?

SkyHop Aviation is being developed as India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator, focused on connecting islands, coastal areas and remote regions.