Kerala's First Seaplane Service Takes Off, To Boost Tourism Potential

In a major boost for Kerala’s tourism sector, the amphibious ‘De Havilland Canada’ seaplane made its inaugural landing at the Bolgatty waterdrome on Kochi Lake.

Key officials, including Tourism Secretary K Biju, Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar, District Collector N S K Umesh, and other tourism representatives, greeted the 17-seater aircraft upon arrival.

The first official service of the seaplane, set to fly from Kochi to Mattupetty, flagged off by State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas.

The launch ceremony at Bolgatty Palace will be presided over by Industries Minister P Rajeeve, according to an official statement. The crew and passengers will be welcomed at the Mattupetty Dam in Idukki district by Minister for Water Resources Roshy Augustine.

Operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the seaplane service aims to enhance travel options between Kerala’s four airports and popular backwater destinations.

The service will provide affordable fares and utilise small seaplanes with seating capacities ranging from 9 to 30 passengers, boarding from waterdromes that float on the water.

According to Tourism Secretary K Biju, the seaplane service is expected to open up new opportunities for tourism enterprises and increase employment within the sector, reports Deccan Heralad.

This initiative is operated in collaboration with a Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet, following successful trial operations in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The project has involved extensive planning and collaboration, with top officials from Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy, and ‘De Havilland Canada’ conducting feasibility and hydrographic surveys to assess logistical requirements.

The service is expected to significantly cut travel times between Kerala’s four international airports and surrounding regions, helping visitors access popular destinations more efficiently.

In addition to Bolgatty and Mattupetty, other waterdrome locations under consideration include Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, and Bekal.