(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

The situation in Indian aviation is officially growing from just land-based to include water travel. The nation is preparing to start its first dedicated seaplane commercial services. SkyHop Aviation, the first commercial seaplane operator in India, has obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. This means the airline is now officially authorized to conduct commercial flights in India, signaling a significant achievement. Earlier this month in Rishikesh, the company also successfully performed water take-offs and landings. With the DGCA's approval, SkyHop is poised to be India’s inaugural commercial seaplane airline. The initial phase of flights will target the beautiful Lakshadweep islands. The plan will link five islands to each other and also to the mainland of India. The services will kick off with a 19-seat plane. This is significant since Lakshadweep has limited airport facilities, and traveling between the islands can be time-consuming and complex. Seaplanes could significantly decrease travel time and streamline island hopping.

This new airline will help connect isolated islands, mountain areas, and coastal places that face challenges with airport development. It will also benefit trips that previously took hours or even days via boats or roads, greatly reducing travel time. As a result, places like Lakshadweep, known for its lakes, beaches, and riversides, will likely see an increase in tourism. A seaplane is specially built to take off and land on water, not requiring a standard runway. It can use floating pontoons or a boat-like body to operate on lakes, rivers, or oceans. It merely requires a suitable body of water. For India, with its extensive coastline, rivers, and islands, this could truly change the game. As reported by Economic Times, founder Avani Singh explained that achieving the AOC is the outcome of persistent efforts over the past year and gives the company assurance to advance. In an Instagram update, SkyHop emphasized that this milestone will enhance regional connectivity, shorten travel times, and create routes where building airports is impractical. Now that regulatory approval is achieved, commercial flights are anticipated to start soon, with routes to Lakshadweep being launched first.