SkyHop Cleared for Takeoff: India’s First Seaplane Airline Set to Launch Lakshadweep Routes

New Delhi, April 27, 2026: India is set to enter a new phase in aviation connectivity as SkyHop Aviation has received regulatory clearance to launch the country’s first dedicated seaplane airline. The approval, granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), allows the company to begin commercial operations, with initial routes planned in Lakshadweep.

The Air Operator Certificate (AOC) marks a major milestone for the fledgling airline and the broader aviation sector. It follows a series of successful test flights, including water take-offs and landings conducted at sites such as the Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand, demonstrating the operational readiness of the service.

SkyHop aims to address long-standing connectivity challenges in remote and underserved regions where conventional airport infrastructure is limited or impractical. Seaplanes, which can operate from water bodies, are expected to significantly reduce travel time while improving access to islands, coastal areas, and inland waterways.

The airline plans to deploy a 19-seater aircraft in its initial phase, focusing on linking five islands in Lakshadweep with each other and the Indian mainland. The move is expected to boost tourism, enhance regional connectivity, and provide a faster alternative to existing modes of transport.

Speaking on the development, SkyHop founder and CEO Avani Singh described the certification as a key step toward launching operations. She emphasized the company’s goal of offering safe and reliable travel while improving access to hard-to-reach parts of the country.

With regulatory clearance in place, the company is now expected to finalize timelines for commercial operations and explore expansion into other regions where seaplane services could bridge critical connectivity gaps.