Seaplane service from Kochi to Lakshadweep all set to begin; know more about ticket price

KOCHI: Seaplane service connecting Kochi and Lakshadweep is about to begin soon after easing restrictions for tourists. SpiceJet's first seaplane, which can carry 20 passengers, landed in Nedumbassery three days ago. The service will start as soon as the central government grants permission. The seaplane is a Canadian Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft. This a joint venture between CIAL and Spice Shuttle, a part of SpiceJet. There may also be services to Kochi lake, Wayanad, and Idukki.

The ticket price to Lakshadweep is expected to be Rs 12,000. If it is included in the central government's UDAN scheme, the ticket price will be reduced to Rs 2000-4000. UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) is a scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 to provide affordable air travel to the common man.

48 routes

1.48 routes were approved for seaplanes in Kerala last year

2. Permission has been granted to IndiaOne Air, Mehair, PHL and SpiceJet companies

3. The service will connect dams and tourist attractions

In 2014, during the Oommen Chandy government, Kerala's first seaplane test flight and backwater landing were conducted, but the project did not proceed due to opposition from fishermen. The plane, which had been lying rusting at the Nedumbassery airport, was seized by the bank in 2019 and sold for a whopping price.