India’s long-awaited seaplane services under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) is likely to commence on June 22, with operations between Kochi and Agatti in Lakshadweep expected to be inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, sources told businessline.

According to sources, final security clearances for the project have now been received, paving way for the launch of commercial seaplane operations in the island territory.

The development follows a recent communication reviewed by businessline, in which the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) recommended that seaplane operations in Lakshadweep be permitted under a security framework similar to that applicable to helicopter operations.

“In view of the above, and the project’s significant importance and urgency in ensuring connectivity among the different islands of Lakshadweep, the operations of seaplanes from Lakshadweep islands may be undertaken on the lines of helicopter operations already taking place under the control of State Police security and arrangements in other places of India,” the communication stated.

However, the document also cautioned that the unique nature of seaplane operations and water aerodromes could result in delays owing to security and infrastructure requirements.

“Standardisation of water aerodrome security at par with regular civil aviation operations, therefore, would require a range of measures and technologies designed to ensure the safety and protection of seaplanes and associated facilities,” the document said.

“These pose challenges in commencing seaplane operations from faraway places located in the islands of Lakshadweep with respect to the availability and sustenance of infrastructure and other resources, which can lead to delays,” the communication noted.

The communication further clarified that the relaxation is being considered a location-specific measure and is applicable only to seaplane operations in Lakshadweep.

Besides, BCAS noted that while it is in the process of formulating comprehensive security requirements for seaplane operations and water aerodromes across the country, the unique connectivity needs of the island territory warrant an interim arrangement.

Accordingly, it recommended that seaplane services in Lakshadweep be permitted under security arrangements similar to those applicable to helicopter operations until a broader regulatory framework is put in place.

Furthermore, sources said that SkyHop Aviation will operate the services under the UDAN scheme.

SkyHop Aviation recently received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

businessline was the first to report in April that SkyHop Aviation was expected to receive its flying licence after successfully completing regulatory trials.

The grant of the AOC has made it India’s first dedicated scheduled seaplane operator, similar to an airline. While India has previously witnessed a few non-scheduled amphibious aircraft operations, those services were discontinued over time.

Notably, the aviation venture, led by industrialist Avani Singh, is being positioned as India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane airline, with a focus on improving connectivity to locations where conventional airport infrastructure is either limited or difficult to establish.

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

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

The airline’s operations are expected to commence with a 19-seater aircraft.

At present, India has no operational seaplane services. The segment briefly saw activity in 2020 when services were launched between the Sabarmati riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Gujarat before being discontinued during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the development comes as the Centre pushes seaplane connectivity under the UDAN 5.5 framework, which allows operators to develop routes across 80 identified water bodies.

In addition, several state governments have expressed interest in developing water aerodromes to strengthen regional connectivity.

Industry estimates suggest India may require 20-25 water aerodromes and more than 50 seaplane routes over the next five years, creating demand for around 50-100 seaplane aircraft.

Published on June 11, 2026