SkyHop Soars : India’s First Big Leap into Seaplane Travel
SkyHop Prepares for Takeoff: India’s First Large-Scale Seaplane Operator Set to Transform Regional Aviation
India, one of the world's fastest growing aviaton market, is set to take a significant step toward revolutionizing regional connectivity with the upcoming launch of SkyHop Aviation, the country’s first large-scale seaplane and small aircraft operator. Backed by SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh and led by his daughter Avani Singh, the venture aims to bridge the gap in domestic air access by connecting remote and underserved regions via amphibious aircraft.
In all the hustle and bustle of the competition for the airline with the highest payload, a brand new way of travel has emerged. A concept which was just a dream has received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Further, they are in the process of applying for an Air Operator's Certificate/Permit (AOC/AOP), taking them a step closer to starting operations.
Operating primarily the rugged De Havilland Twin Otter, SkyHop plans to land not only on conventional runways but also on water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and coastal zones,reaching areas long excluded from India’s aviation map.
Bridging the Regional Divide
Despite India’s booming aviation sector, fewer than 200 towns out of over 4,000 are currently connected by air. SkyHop seeks to change that by targeting regions where challenging terrain, lack of infrastructure, or long travel times have made air connectivity difficult or impossible. From the Northeast and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to Gujarat’s coast and Kerala’s backwaters, the potential reach is wide-ranging.
The use of amphibious aircraft enables SkyHop to bypass the need for traditional airports, offering fast and direct access to areas where building full-scale runways may be impractical or unaffordable.
Regulatory Reforms Pave the Way
SkyHop’s entry into the market follows recent aviation policy reforms that simplify the process of operating seaplanes in India. In April 2024, the Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced new guidelines allowing operators to use Non-Scheduled Operator Permits (NSOP) for amphibious flights, while also easing aircraft certification requirements under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
These regulatory updates have sparked renewed interest in seaplane operations, which had previously struggled to scale due to administrative hurdles and inconsistent infrastructure.
Launch Plans and Potential Routes
SkyHop has already leased its first Twin Otter aircraft and is currently recruiting flight and ground crews. While the airline has not officially disclosed its initial destinations, likely routes include:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Gujarat’s coastal towns
- Northeast India
- Tourist and pilgrimage circuits
- Lakshadweep Islands
In addition to passenger transport, the aircraft could also support emergency evacuations and critical supply delivery to remote locations.
Leadership and Strategy
SkyHop is led by Avani Singh, a Stanford and Wharton graduate with a background in law and economics. Though this is her first foray into aviation, she is working with an experienced team drawn from established carriers. The company is currently focused on building robust operational foundations, prioritizing safety, training, and partnerships with local governments and tourism boards.
Learning from the Past
While earlier efforts to launch seaplane services in India, such as SpiceJet’s trial route between Ahmedabad and Kevadia in 2020, faced technical and logistical setbacks, SkyHop appears to be taking a more measured and long-term approach. By focusing on scalable infrastructure and government collaboration, it hopes to avoid the pitfalls that hampered past attempts.
Image Credit: Ismail Arab (AhmedabadSpotter)
About the Aircraft
The aircraft in focus, DeHavilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter is a popular choice for airlines and operators with a focus on regional connectivity, unconventional routes and difficult terrain.
The aircraft’s sturdy tricycle landing gear, short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, and powerful Pratt and Whitney twin turboprop engines have made it a reliable workhorse in regional aviation. Commonly configured to carry 18 to 20 passengers, it’s also widely used for cargo transport and medical evacuation missions, thanks to its strong climb rate and ability to operate in challenging conditions.
Image Credits: Wikiwand
A New Chapter in Indian Aviation
If all regulatory and operational clearances are secured, SkyHop is expected to begin flights in early 2026. With its focus on accessibility, regional development, and alternative aviation infrastructure, the airline has the potential to reshape how India connects its most remote corners.
In a country where geography often limits opportunity, SkyHop’s entry could open new skies,not just for travel, but for economic inclusion and regional growth.
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