The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to enhance their tourism appeal with the upcoming launch of seaplane services from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) to key islands across the archipelago like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), North Andaman, Long Island and Great Nicobar. In collaboration with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the local administration is introducing a new travel experience through scenic and efficient seaplane routes. This initiative, which began as a pilot project by Pawan Hans, has gained renewed momentum with the entry of Flybig and direct involvement from the Andaman & Nicobar administration. These combined efforts aim to revolutionize regional travel, offering faster, more scenic alternatives to traditional ferry services.
On 18th November, a successful technical demonstration by the De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada featured a flight from Sri Vijaya Puram’s helipad to Swaraj Dweep, with a return landing at the Marina Water Sports Complex, setting the stage for regular seaplane services in the coming months. It is being expected that from the December end, 2024 the Andamans will start it’s seaplane services.
Pawan Hans: The Pioneer of Seaplane Services
Pawan Hans, the leading helicopter service provider in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, first introduced seaplane services as a pilot project. The routes included:
- Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Port Blair to Diglipur
- Port Blair to Hutbay (Little Andaman)
These services, operated using the Cessna 208A Amphibian Seaplane, aimed to reduce travel times and offer a unique travel experience. Although the initial project generated significant interest, operational challenges led to the suspension of services. However, it laid a crucial foundation for future seaplane projects.
Flybig’s Seaplane Initiative (2024 – 2025)
Building on the groundwork laid by Pawan Hans, regional airline Flybig announced its plans to introduce seaplane services in late 2024 or early 2025. Flybig’s entry aims to leverage improved infrastructure and regulatory support under India’s Udan regional connectivity scheme.
Proposed Routes by Flybig:
- Port Blair to Car Nicobar
- Port Blair to Campbell Bay (Great Nicobar)
- Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Port Blair to Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Port Blair to Hutbay (Little Andaman)
Flybig will utilize the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter seaplane, capable of accommodating up to 16 passengers. This versatile aircraft can land on both water and land, making it ideal for the archipelago’s unique geography.
Andaman & Nicobar Administration Steps In (November 2024)
In a strategic move to further bolster seaplane connectivity, the Andaman & Nicobar administration, in collaboration with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and Airports Authority of India (AAI), has initiated its own seaplane services. A successful technical demonstration was conducted using the De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft, with the trial route connecting Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island).
Planned Routes by the Administration:
- Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Port Blair to Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Port Blair to Long Island (North and Middle Andaman)
The local administration’s active involvement marks a significant development, aiming to streamline services and enhance connectivity, particularly to islands with limited ferry access.
Boost to Tourism and Economic Growth
The introduction of these seaplane services is expected to significantly enhance tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by:
- Reducing Travel Time: Faster seaplane routes will offer a quick and scenic alternative to the traditional ferries, improving accessibility to popular and lesser-known destinations.
- Increasing Tourist Influx: The ease of access and the unique experience of seaplane travel are likely to attract more tourists, boosting the local economy and creating new opportunities for businesses in the hospitality and service sectors.
- Supporting Regional Development: Enhanced connectivity will not only benefit tourists but also provide vital transportation for locals, improving access to remote islands and supporting emergency services.
The Future of Seaplane Operations in Andaman & Nicobar
The collaborative efforts of Pawan Hans, Flybig, and the Andaman & Nicobar administration signal a promising future for seaplane operations in the region. With new regulatory guidelines under the Udan scheme simplifying the process for operators, the seaplane services are poised to become a sustainable mode of transport. The combined infrastructure improvements and the focus on regional connectivity are expected to open up new opportunities for tourism and economic development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking a new chapter in the region’s aviation history.
Seaplane Fare Structure in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2024 – 2025)
| Route | Distance (Approx.) | Estimated Flight Time | Fare Range (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair ↔ Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) | 50 km | 15 – 20 minutes | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Port Blair ↔ Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) | 40 km | 15 – 20 minutes | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Port Blair ↔ Long Island | 80 km | 25 – 30 minutes | ₹5,000 – ₹6,500 |
| Port Blair ↔ Hutbay (Little Andaman) | 120 km | 30 – 40 minutes | ₹5,500 – ₹7,500 |
| Port Blair ↔ Diglipur | 200 km | 45 – 50 minutes | ₹6,500 – ₹8,500 |
| Port Blair ↔ Car Nicobar | 250 km | 50 – 55 minutes | ₹7,500 – ₹10,000 |
| Port Blair ↔ Campbell Bay (Great Nicobar) | 540 km | 60 – 70 minutes | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
Key Notes:
- Short Routes (under 100 km): Offer the quickest access to popular tourist islands with fares ranging from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
- Medium Routes (100 – 250 km): Designed to connect to key islands with enhanced ecotourism potential, priced between ₹5,000 and ₹7,500.
- Long Routes (over 250 km): Targeting remote destinations like Campbell Bay, the fares range from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000, reflecting the distance and operational costs.
The introduction of seaplane services by Pawan Hans, Flybig, and the Andaman & Nicobar administration is set to offer a faster alternative to ferry travel in the region. Here is a breakdown of the expected fare details based on recent announcements and past pricing patterns for similar services.
Factors Influencing the Fare
- Route Distance: Shorter routes such as Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep will have lower fares compared to longer routes like Port Blair to Campbell Bay due to fuel consumption and operational costs.
- Demand and Seasonality: High tourist seasons (December to February) may see slightly higher fares due to increased demand. Conversely, off-peak seasons might offer lower fares or promotional discounts.
- Operating Costs: Given the small passenger capacity (typically 8 to 16 passengers), the fare per person might be higher compared to standard ferry services but is balanced by the time saved and unique travel experience.
- Government Subsidies under Udan Scheme: The Udan regional connectivity scheme aims to make air travel affordable by providing subsidies to operators, potentially keeping fares within a reasonable range even for remote routes.
Comparison with Ferry Services
- Ferry Fares: ₹800 – ₹2,500 per person (depending on the route and class of travel)
- Seaplane Fares: ₹3,500 – ₹12,000 per person
While seaplane fares are higher, the reduction in travel time and the scenic aerial views provide added value. For example:
- Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep: A ferry takes about 1.5 – 2.5 hours, while a seaplane covers the distance in just 15-20 minutes.
- Port Blair to Campbell Bay: A ship voyage can take up to 24 hours, whereas a seaplane flight would take around 60 minutes.
Booking and Availability
- Online Booking: Initially, bookings are expected to be available through Flybig’s official website and other travel platforms like IRCTC Air, offering easy access for tourists and locals alike.
- On-site Ticket Counters: For those preferring last-minute bookings, ticket counters at key locations like the Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) Marina Water Sports Complex and main helipads will be operational.
Promotional Offers
- To encourage adoption, the Andaman & Nicobar administration may launch introductory discounts or packages, especially for popular tourist routes like Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep.
This fare structure is based on preliminary announcements and may be adjusted based on final operational costs and demand patterns once the services are fully launched.
