Lakshadweep may soon witness Maldives-style seaplane tourism as the Centre moves ahead with a major plan to improve connectivity across the island chain. The proposal aims to introduce seaplane operations between Kochi and six islands of Lakshadweep, making travel easier for tourists visiting the remote destination.

According to official documents accessed by CNN-News18, a key expert panel under the Union Environment Ministry on March 20 recommended environmental clearance for “water aerodrome” projects on six islands. The proposed network will connect Kochi with Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Kadmat, Minicoy, and Agatti.

The move is expected to significantly improve tourism and transport facilities in Lakshadweep, which has long faced accessibility challenges. At present, most visitors depend on limited flights to Agatti and lengthy ship journeys from Kochi to reach the islands. Officials believe seaplane services could completely change the travel experience for tourists.

The upcoming project is already being compared to the Maldives, where seaplanes are widely associated with luxury tourism and easy island connectivity. If all approvals are granted, tourists travelling to Lakshadweep may soon be able to land directly on lagoons surrounded by clear blue waters instead of relying only on airports and ferries.

The renewed focus on Lakshadweep comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-discussed visit to the islands in January 2024. Photos and videos of the islands’ beaches and lagoons created massive attention online. Officials now see the opportunity to promote Lakshadweep as a major global island tourism destination.

Preparations for the project have already started. On May 13 this year, the first-ever seaplane trial flight between Kochi and Lakshadweep was successfully carried out using a DHC6-400 Twin Otter aircraft. The aircraft first landed at Agatti and later made a smooth landing in the lagoon near Kavaratti. The event marked the first seaplane landing in Lakshadweep’s waters.

Officials described the trial as a milestone moment in the islands’ transport history.

The proposed “water aerodromes” will not function like regular airports. Instead, the facilities will include compact passenger terminals, floating walkways, and docking infrastructure specially designed for seaplane operations.

Among the six islands, Kavaratti is expected to record the highest passenger movement. Estimates suggest that more than 16,000 travellers could use the service annually. Agatti, Kalpeni, and Kiltan are also projected to see strong tourist traffic, with around 8,000 passengers expected every year after operations begin.

The project is being seen as a major step towards boosting tourism, improving transport, and making Lakshadweep more accessible to domestic and international visitors. If implemented successfully, the seaplane network could reshape tourism in the islands and offer travellers a faster and more scenic way to explore one of India’s most picturesque destinations.