Bhubaneswar: Lakshadweep has officially launched seaplane trial operations with the successful landing of the first Kochi–Lakshadweep trial flight on May 13, 2026, marking a major step towards improving transport connectivity across the island territory.
Officials said the trials are aimed at assessing the feasibility of regular seaplane services connecting Kochi with multiple islands in Lakshadweep, which currently rely heavily on ships and limited conventional air services.
A total of 12 trial sorties are scheduled over a three-day period using a 20-seater Twin Otter seaplane operated by SkyHop Aviation.
The planned routes include:
- Kochi – Agatti – Kalpeni – Kavaratti
- Kochi – Kadmat – Kiltan – Agatti
Authorities described the initiative as a significant connectivity milestone for the island region, where transportation constraints have long affected tourism, emergency travel and inter-island mobility.
Officials believe that if the trials are successful, regular passenger seaplane services could drastically reduce travel time, improve accessibility and provide a major boost to tourism and economic activity in Lakshadweep.
-OdishaAge
