Kerala has made a significant leap towards revolutionising its tourism and transportation infrastructure with the successful launch of its first-ever seaplane service. On Monday, the seaplane, an amphibious aircraft, took off from the picturesque backwaters of Kochi, landing in the serene Mattupetty Dam nestled in Idukki’s hill district. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for the state, especially in its remote and ecologically sensitive regions.
Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, along with other state officials, flagged off the aircraft from Bolgatty Palace Waterdrom in Kochi. The 17-seater aircraft completed a short yet symbolic flight, demonstrating the potential of seaplanes to offer swift and affordable travel options in Kerala’s challenging terrain. The minister, who also took a brief ride on the seaplane, highlighted the immense promise this service holds for reducing travel times and costs, especially for tourists keen on accessing Kerala’s more secluded spots. The initiative is in line with the state’s broader vision of expanding its transport infrastructure, integrating seaplanes into the existing network of international airports, national highways, and high-speed rail corridors. The goal is to offer seamless connectivity between Kerala’s international airports and its hill stations, backwaters, and tourist hotspots, creating a more accessible experience for visitors and locals alike.
The seaplane service is expected to not only enhance Kerala’s tourism appeal but also contribute to sustainable travel practices. The amphibious aircraft operates under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to make regional air connectivity affordable and accessible to the masses. Additionally, the service is expected to ease traffic congestion, particularly in the heavily frequented tourist destinations.
Minister of Industries further added that this initiative would support Kerala’s growing industrial development, with tourism playing a central role in the state’s economic engine. Kerala, he said, is already home to the highest number of five-star hotels in India, and with seaplane services, it would only strengthen its position as a premier global tourism destination. The seaplane, operated by SpiceJet in collaboration with Swiss-based company De Havilland Canada, is designed to tackle the logistical challenges posed by Kerala’s water bodies and hilly terrain. The flight, piloted by Canadian aviators Daniel Montgomery and Rodger Brindger, demonstrates the feasibility of such services in the state, following extensive surveys and testing. In the coming months, additional destinations like Kovalam, Ashtamudi, and Kumarakom are set to be integrated into the seaplane network, further expanding connectivity and promoting sustainable tourism practices across Kerala’s diverse landscapes. As the state ventures into this new frontier, it is clear that seaplanes are more than just a novelty — they represent a forward-thinking solution to bridging the gap between Kerala’s bustling cities and its pristine natural treasures.
