Thiruvananthapuram: In an effort to enhance tourism connectivity, Kerala is set to launch a seaplane service on November 11. Kerala’s Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the service, with the event scheduled at Bolgatty Palace in Kochi. Minister for Industries and Law, P Rajeeve, will preside over the function, while Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine will welcome the seaplane crew and passengers at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki district.

The seaplane, a ‘de Havilland Canada’ model, will arrive at Kochi International Airport on November 10 and then proceed to Bolgatty Palace’s waterdrome, where it will be greeted by the Department of Tourism. Operated by a Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet, this seaplane service falls under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aiming to strengthen the link between Kerala's airports and scenic backwaters.

Minister Riyas emphasized that improving connectivity remains a priority for Kerala's tourism sector, noting that the introduction of heli-tourism and improved road networks is part of a larger strategy. “Enhanced access to even remote destinations will allow tourists to experience Kerala’s natural beauty with ease,” he said. Riyas also highlighted ongoing developments in national highways, coastal routes, and hill highways, which, along with seaplane services, are part of a comprehensive effort to establish Kerala as a well-connected, tourist-friendly state.

The seaplane initiative follows successful trial runs in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Before its Kerala launch, the project underwent rigorous inspections by officials from the Cochin Port Trust, Indian Navy, and seaplane teams, with feasibility and hydrographic surveys completed to ensure operational readiness.

Tourism Secretary K Biju expressed optimism about the seaplane’s potential to offer tourists quick access to multiple destinations, suggesting that international campaigns could help promote Kerala’s appeal. Tourism Director Sikha Surendran added that the service is expected to bolster domestic tourism by connecting even remote locations accessible mainly by waterways.

The project aims to improve the connectivity of Kerala’s four major airports and various waterdrome sites, including Bolgatty, Mattupetty, and prospective locations like Kovalam, Ashtamudi, and Vembanad. This development promises an array of new possibilities for Kerala’s tourism, capitalizing on the state’s abundant water resources.

Seaplanes, which are specialized aircraft capable of landing on water, will carry passengers between waterdromes established across scenic water bodies. The service will feature seaplanes with capacities ranging from 9 to 30 seats.

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