Aviation ministry examining Lakshadweep denial to SkyHop seaplane service

NEW DELHI: The Union aviation ministry is examining why Lakshadweep at the last minute did not allow SkyHop Aviation’s seaplane service — a service championed by PM Modi himself — to start in the archipelago. “We are examining the issue why this happened,” a senior ministry official said.After more than a year of preparation, including water jetties getting built and more than 40 trial flights successfully conducted, Lakshadweep had initially allowed the dedicated commercial seaplane service to take off. On Sept 10, just five days before its scheduled inaugural flight, SkyHop Aviation was asked not to proceed with the start. This sudden decision has led to questions over how a project being implemented under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme to connect the remote islands of Lakshadweep was stalled just before launch.SkyHop had planned to commence operations from Sept 16, post monsoon. The operator had received its air operator certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in April 2026. It had been awarded routes under the Centre’s UDAN scheme to connect five islands in Lakshadweep with each other and the mainland. Lakshadweep has only one operational airport at Agatti and movement between islands is largely dependent on ships.This denial, say sources, has led to significant financial losses to the company as it had invested in both men and machine. The administration subsequently communicated its position to AAI in writing. In an email dated Sept 21, the administration said it would not be able to provide assistance for seaplane and water aerodrome operations and stated that its earlier communications on the subject should be treated as withdrawn. The administration referred to its lack of experience in operating and managing water aerodromes and seaplane services.