Lakshadweep Seaplane

Test flights ahead of the launch of the Kochi-Lakshadweep seaplane service began today. The test flights are being coordinated from the Kochi International Airport. The test flights will also be subject to weather conditions. Earlier, a seaplane test flight was conducted from Kochi to Mattupetty Dam.

The service uses a 20-passenger ‘Twin Otter’ seaplane owned by Skyhop Aviation Limited. The seaplane service operates mainly in two sectors. Kochi – Agatti – Kalpeni – Kavaratti. These are Kochi – Kadammat – Kilthan – Agatti. Operational support is provided by CIAL in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Lakshadweep Administration, and Airports Authority of India.

The journey time from Kochi to various islands in Lakshadweep will be approximately 1 hour to 1.15 hours. This is a huge saving compared to the current long-distance travel by ship. The seaplane system is designed to allow landings on the islands of Lakshadweep without the need for special runways. Special seaplane docks or water aerodromes have been set up on islands like Agatti, Kavaratti, and Kilthan to accommodate seaplanes.