A major milestone in regional connectivity was achieved on Wednesday as the much-awaited seaplane trial service between Kochi and Lakshadweep successfully completed its maiden operation.
The first of three scheduled trial sorties for the day was completed successfully, with the seaplane departing from Cochin International Airport and landing in the Arabian Sea near the Lakshadweep islands nearly two hours later before returning to Kochi.
Facilitated by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the trials mark a key step toward establishing a regular high-speed air link between Kerala and the remote island archipelago.
The operations are being conducted using a 20-seater De Havilland Canada Twin Otter operated by Skyhope Aviation Limited. Over three days, 12 sorties are planned to assess the feasibility of seaplane landings across multiple island lagoons.
The trial routes have been divided into two sectors — Kochi-Agatti-Kalpeni-Kavaratti and Kochi-Kadmat-Kiltan-Agatti — ensuring wider operational assessment across the islands.
The project has also generated strong interest across travel and regional media platforms, including mentions on Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station.
Officials said the trials are being closely supervised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with experts evaluating critical safety and operational factors including water depth, coral formations, tidal currents, wave swells and crosswinds affecting take-off and landing.
Since several islands lack conventional runways, the trials are also focused on mapping safe “water runways” inside lagoons for future commercial operations.
CIAL is coordinating the operations in partnership with the Lakshadweep Administration, the Airports Authority of India and the DGCA.
At present, travel to Lakshadweep mainly depends on ships taking over 14 hours or limited fixed-wing flights to Agatti. The proposed seaplane service is expected to reduce travel time to around two hours while opening better connectivity to islands such as Kalpeni and Kadmat that currently lack airports.
Authorities also believe the service could strengthen tourism, improve emergency medical evacuations and support supply movement during rough monsoon conditions.
If the ongoing trials meet DGCA safety benchmarks, the project could move toward a full Air Operator Certificate, potentially transforming connectivity and tourism infrastructure across Lakshadweep.
Further trial operations are scheduled on May 14 and 15, covering Agatti, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kadmat and Kiltan as part of the continuing operational assessment programme
