SkyHop Aviation received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 27 April 2026. The company became India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator after the licence was issued for planned operations in Lakshadweep.
Seaplane Operations In India
A seaplane is an aircraft designed to take off from and land on water. A commercial seaplane operator uses water aerodromes, lakes, rivers, or coastal stretches for scheduled or charter services.
- SkyHop Aviation plans to connect five islands in Lakshadweep with each other and with the mainland.
- The initial aircraft is a 19-seater De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter.
- The aircraft used for the service was modified for seaplane use in India.
- The aircraft previously belonged to the non-operational Fly Big airline.
Aircraft And Test Flights
SkyHop Aviation conducted test flights in April 2026 at the Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand. The tests included water take-offs and water landings, which are standard operational checks for seaplane services.
DGCA And Air Operator Certificate
The DGCA is India’s civil aviation regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. An Air Operator Certificate is a mandatory authorisation for commercial air transport operations in India.
Policy And Regional Connectivity
The Union Budget 2026-27 included incentives for indigenising seaplane manufacturing and a viability gap funding scheme for the sector. Lakshadweep is a Union Territory in the Arabian Sea, and its island geography makes air and sea connectivity relevant for transport planning. Avani Singh is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SkyHop Aviation. Commercial seaplane services in India are linked with island connectivity, short-haul transport, and tourism routes.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026