Seaplane operator SkyHop Aviation has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), marking a significant milestone as it prepares to commence commercial operations in India.

businessline was the first to report last week that SkyHop Aviation was expected to soon receive its flying licence after it successfully cleared regulatory trials.

Accordingly, the AOC makes it India’s first dedicated scheduled seaplane flight services provider, akin to an airline, whereas in the past, there have been several non-scheduled amphibious operations by other companies that fizzled out over time.

The industrialist Avani Singh-led aviation venture is being developed as India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator, with a focus on improving access to regions where conventional airport infrastructure is either limited or difficult to develop.

Besides, the airline aims to unlock new routes, reduce travel time, and enhance regional accessibility across the country.

Avani Singh is the daughter of SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh.

“Receiving the AOC is an important milestone for us and the result of consistent effort over the past year,” said Avani Singh, Founder and CEO, SkyHop Aviation.

“Building SkyHop from the ground up has been a learning experience, and this certification gives us the foundation to move ahead with confidence.”

According to Avani Singh, the airline’s aim is simple — to offer a safe, reliable, and new way of connecting parts of India that are still difficult to access.

“We hope to deliver an experience that is both practical and memorable for travellers, while contributing in a small but meaningful way to regional access and national integration.”

In the first phase, SkyHop plans to connect five islands in Lakshadweep with each other and with the mainland.

According to the airline, operations will begin with a 19-seater aircraft.

Meanwhile, the airline is also evaluating opportunities in other parts of the country where such connectivity can make a real difference.

Previously, SkyHop had highlighted that only around 170 of India’s nearly 4,000 cities currently have air connectivity.

India currently has no operational seaplane services. The segment briefly saw activity in 2019–20 when a seaplane service operated between the Sabarmati riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, before being discontinued during the Covid-19 period.

The development comes as the Centre continues to encourage seaplane connectivity under the UDAN 5.5 scheme, which allows operators to develop routes across 80 identified water bodies.

Additionally, several state governments have expressed interest in strengthening regional access through water aerodromes.

Industry estimates have also cited the need to develop 20–25 water aerodromes and more than 50 seaplane routes over the next five years, with a projected requirement of around 50–100 aircraft.

Published on April 27, 2026