KOCHI: In a major boost to connectivity with the Lakshadweep islands, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is set to facilitate trial seaplane operations linking Kochi with multiple island destinations from Wednesday, subject to weather conditions.
The trials are part of an initiative to study the feasibility of launching regular seaplane services to Lakshadweep, a move expected to improve tourism, emergency travel and regional connectivity. The 20-seater Twin Otter seaplane, owned by M/S Skyhope Aviation Limited, will operate on routes including Kochi–Agatti–Kalpeni–Kavaratti and Kochi–Kadmat–Kiltan–Agatti.
According to CIAL, 12 trial operations have been planned over three days covering several islands in the Union Territory. “CIAL will extend all necessary operational support and coordination for the successful conduct of the trials in association with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Lakshadweep Administration, Airports Authority of India and other stakeholders involved in the project,” the airport operator said in a statement.
Officials said the proposed service could significantly cut travel time to the islands and improve accessibility, especially to destinations that currently depend heavily on ship services. The initiative is also expected to open up new opportunities for sustainable tourism and faster transportation between Kerala and Lakshadweep.
Explore TouristHub Holidays LLP has been selected as the tour service provider for the Kochi-Lakshadweep seaplane operations.
The Lakshadweep administration had first floated tenders for seaplane connectivity in 2019. In 2025, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry included 48 routes in Kerala under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Ticket fares for the service are expected to be around Rs 12,000 initially. However, if the routes are brought under the UDAN scheme, fares could come down to between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000.