India’s push to improve last-mile connectivity is beginning to explore new formats beyond traditional aviation infrastructure. Seaplanes, long discussed as a niche solution, are now moving closer to commercial reality with regulatory approvals falling into place.
SkyHop Aviation has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing the way to commence commercial seaplane operations in India. The certification marks a key milestone for the Gurugram-based company as it prepares to launch services aimed at improving access to hard-to-reach regions.
The approval follows a series of test flights conducted earlier in April 2026, including successful water take-offs and landings at the Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand. These trials were part of the regulatory process leading up to the AOC.
SkyHop Aviation is being positioned as India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator, with a focus on connecting destinations where conventional airport infrastructure is limited or difficult to develop. The model is expected to reduce travel time while opening up new regional routes.
In its initial phase, the airline plans to connect five islands in Lakshadweep with each other and with the mainland, deploying a 19-seater aircraft. The company is also evaluating additional routes across the country where seaplane connectivity can address accessibility gaps.
Avani Singh, Founder and CEO, SkyHop Aviation, said, “Receiving the AOC is an important milestone for us and the result of consistent effort over the past year. Building SkyHop from the ground up has been a learning experience, and this certification gives us the foundation to move ahead with confidence.”
She added, “We are grateful to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Secretary, Civil Aviation Samir Kumar Sinha, and Director General of DGCA Vir Vikram Yadav for their guidance and support throughout this process. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them as we prepare to commence operations. Our aim is simple — to offer a safe, reliable and new way of connecting parts of India that are still difficult to access.”
With regulatory clearance now in place, SkyHop’s next phase will focus on operational readiness and route deployment, as seaplane services move from concept to execution within India’s regional aviation landscape.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.