Kerala is all set to welcome its much-anticipated seaplane service, with operations scheduled to begin next month from Kochi International Airport. In its initial phase, the service will link Kochi to the Lakshadweep islands and will be operated by Spice Shuttle, a subsidiary of SpiceJet. T
The fleet will consist of 20-seater seaplanes built by Canadian aerospace manufacturer De Havilland. Future expansion plans include extending the service to destinations such as Bolgatty, the Idukki Dam, and Wayanad Lake.
Fares to Lakshadweep are expected to be around Rs 12,000 per passenger. However, under the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme, travellers may receive subsidies ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Officials anticipate that at least 50 per cent of the seats will be offered at subsidised rates.
While a helicopter service to Pampa is already operational, expanding such services remains challenging due to high costs. According to CIAL Director Manu G, a 45-minute helicopter ride can cost as much as Rs 60,000 per passenger—an amount feasible only for premium travellers.
The seaplane project in Kerala has already undergone successful trials, including a test flight from Kochi to Mattupetty Dam in Munnar last November. Plans are also underway to install waterdomes near major water bodies across all districts in Kerala. Each seaplane requires a water depth of just two meters for landing and about 800 meters of water runway for takeoff.
The service is expected to launch next month, starting operations from Kochi International Airport.
The service will use 20-seater seaplanes manufactured by De Havilland, a Canadian aerospace company.
In the next phase, routes may extend to Bolgatty, Idukki Dam, and Wayanad Lake.
