Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source
Is seaplane travel set to begin in India? This aviation company receives DGCA approval
India's First Commercial Seaplane: 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).
)
Operations will begin in Lakshadweep, with the first phase connecting five islands. A link with the mainland is also part of the rollout plan. Image: Official
Written By: ZeeBiz WebTeam
Updated: Mon, Apr 27, 2026
05:29 PM IST
05:29 PM IST
ZeeBiz WebDesk
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.
First phase to begin in Lakshadweep, five islands to be linked
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.
TRENDING NOW
A significant achievement, says SkyHop Aviation CEO
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.
What is the AOC approval?
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.
Push for island and remote-area connectivity
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.
Expansion potential beyond Lakshadweep
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.
What it could mean for aviation and tourism
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.
Key highlights
- 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:
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
RELATED NEWS
Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco returned due to technical issue
Flying with Air India between June and August? Travel may be disrupted — Here's why
Mumbai International Airport to close for 6 hours on May 7: Timings, other key things to know
IndiGo Flight faces fire scare after landing, passengers evacuated safely
Air India Mid-Air Snag: Flight AI633 lands safely after suspected technical issue
