Seaplane: 48 routes approved for Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister PA Mohammed Riyas has announced that the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has approved 48 routes for seaplane services in Kerala. The routes have been allotted to Ahmedabad-based India One Air, Mehair, PHL, and SpiceJet airlines. A trial seaplane flight was earlier conducted from Kochi to Mattupetty in Idukki.

The minister said that several hurdles still need to be overcome to make the project a reality, but seaplane operations through dams are expected to become a reality in the future. A plan is being prepared to develop the necessary infrastructure.

Passengers will board and disembark through floating waterdromes. In addition to Bolgatty and Mattupetty, waterdromes are being considered at Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, and Bekal. The final plan will be announced soon. Once four airports are connected to major waterbodies through these waterdromes, the network is expected to open up huge tourism opportunities. Such modern travel options will attract more tourists and create new job opportunities.

Routes have been selected based on tourism potential, and more services may be added later. The launch of seaplane operations will also enable the creation of new tour packages linking popular destinations. A high-level review meeting was held with representatives from the Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy, and De Havilland Canada. Feasibility and hydrographic surveys have already been completed.

What is a seaplane? A seaplane is a small aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water. It usually seats between 10 and 25 passengers, though some models can accommodate up to 30. Depending on its size and design, a seaplane can safely land even in water bodies with a depth of just six feet.