Tourism News
Kerala Launched Seaplane Service to Boost Tourist Connectivity
Kerala Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas flagged off a trial run for a seaplane service on November 11 at the Bolgatty Palace, Kochi. The initiative enhanced tourist connectivity by linking Kerala's airports with backwater destinations through waterdromes. Following this, the seaplane crew and passengers were welcomed at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki, with the Water Resources Minister Shri Roshy Augustine in attendance.
Operated under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the seaplane service was a collaborative effort between a Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet. The service featured the ‘de Havilland Canada’ seaplane, which arrived at the Cochin International Airport on November 10 before making its way to the Bolgatty waterdrome.
The project improved access to remote and scenic destinations, with plans underway to establish additional waterdromes at Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha and Bekal. The Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju emphasized the potential for shorter travel times, allowing tourists to explore multiple destinations efficiently. The Tourism Director Smt. Sikha Surendran noted that the service boosted domestic tourism and opened remote areas reliant on waterways to greater accessibility.
The Minister Shri Riyas highlighted that the seaplane service complemented Kerala’s broader connectivity efforts, including heli-tourism, enhanced road infrastructure and the development of coastal and hill highways. These initiatives reflected Kerala’s commitment to becoming a well-connected and tourist-friendly destination.
The project followed successful trial runs in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, with high-level inspections, feasibility studies and hydrographic surveys conducted in preparation. Passengers enjoyed access to various seaplane capacities, ranging from 9 to 30 seats, offering a unique and efficient travel experience across Kerala’s scenic waterways.
