Port Blair, September 2024:
In a major development for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, regional airline Flybig is preparing to launch the first-ever seaplane services in the archipelago. This initiative, expected to revolutionize air connectivity in the region, comes on the heels of newly eased guidelines for seaplane operations under India’s Udan (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme. With the first seaplane slated to join Flybig’s fleet by the end of October 2024, the airline plans to deploy De Havilland Canada Twin Otter aircraft for these operations, which are ideally suited for the islands’ challenging geography.
Flybig’s Chairman and Managing Director, confirmed that these seaplane services will be the first to connect Car Nicobar Airport and Campbell Bay Airport. The airline anticipates beginning of the seaplane operations in the Andaman and Nicobar, by the end of 2024 or early next year, 2025, depending on approvals and aircraft readiness.
The De Havilland Twin Otter, renowned for its amphibious capabilities, can land on both water and land, making it perfect for the Andaman’s geography. This aircraft will enable Flybig to overcome the logistical challenges posed by the islands’ dispersed nature, connecting remote regions and promoting tourism while reducing travel time. The ease of access is expected to draw more tourists to the area’s iconic destinations like Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Hutbay.
Flybig Seaplane Routes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Flybig is set to launch its inaugural seaplane services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enhancing connectivity across the archipelago with the following planned routes:
- Port Blair to Car Nicobar
- This route will connect the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, to Car Nicobar, one of the key islands in the Nicobar group. The service will drastically reduce travel time for locals and tourists while offering scenic views of the vast Indian Ocean.
- Port Blair to Campbell Bay
- A direct seaplane service to Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost point of India, will facilitate faster travel between these remote locations. Campbell Bay is a significant destination due to the presence of the Indira Point lighthouse, which is the southernmost tip of India.
- Port Blair to Havelock Island
- Havelock Island, known for its beautiful beaches and popular dive sites, will be a crucial tourism route. The seaplane service will offer an alternative to the ferry system, making it easier for visitors to reach this tropical paradise.
- Port Blair to Neil Island
- Neil Island, another major tourist destination with picturesque beaches and lush forests, will also be connected by seaplane. This route is expected to attract visitors who prefer quick travel over the traditional boat journeys.
- Port Blair to Hutbay (Little Andaman)
- Hutbay, on Little Andaman Island, will be accessible through Flybig’s seaplane services. Known for its waterfalls, pristine beaches, and surfing spots, Hutbay is a hidden gem that will benefit from better connectivity.
These routes are designed to improve regional air connectivity and reduce travel times between the islands, thereby boosting both tourism and local economy. In addition to these primary routes, Flybig may introduce seasonal services to other remote islands in the future.
Boost for Tourism and Economic Growth
The launch of seaplane services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the region. The new connectivity will provide faster, more scenic travel options for both tourists and locals, opening up previously hard-to-reach destinations. With tourism being a key driver of the Andaman economy, the seaplane services are likely to attract higher visitor numbers and stimulate investment in the local hospitality and service industries.
New Guidelines for Seaplane Operations
The seaplane service is part of a broader government push to improve regional air connectivity, particularly in remote regions like islands and coastal areas. In August 2024, the Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced new guidelines for seaplane operations under the Udan scheme, simplifying regulations to encourage more operators to enter the market. The updated guidelines removed the requirement for a waterdrome license, reduced compliance barriers, and clarified the roles of various stakeholders, including state governments, operators, and the central government.
Seaplanes are seen as a critical solution to connecting remote locations across India, where land constraints limit the expansion of conventional airports. Several state governments, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, have already expressed interest in seaplane services to enhance connectivity along their coastlines.
Learning from Past Attempts
Previous efforts to introduce seaplane services in India saw limited success. SpiceJet launched a seaplane route from the Statue of Unity in Kevadia to the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, but the service was discontinued due to weak demand. However, the renewed interest from airlines like Flybig, combined with the updated regulatory framework, promises to make the current push for seaplanes more sustainable. The government remains optimistic that these services will thrive, driven by growing demand for regional air travel and the development of robust tourism infrastructure in the islands.
Pawan Hans: The Pioneer of Seaplane Services
The idea of seaplane services in India isn’t entirely new. Pawan Hans, the leading helicopter service provider in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, pioneered seaplane operations in the region as a pilot project several years ago. Pawan Hans deployed Cessna 208A amphibious seaplanes to connect key destinations such as Port Blair, Havelock, Diglipur, and Hutbay. However, despite the early promise, the project did not fully materialize, and the operations were eventually suspended.
Pawan Hans’ experience offered important insights into the challenges of operating seaplanes in India’s coastal and island regions. These ranged from infrastructure limitations to ensuring consistent demand for the services. Nevertheless, Pawan Hans remains committed to the concept and is actively exploring opportunities to reintroduce seaplane services in the future, leveraging improved technology and better market conditions. The company has hinted at plans to expand its offerings to more destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands once the necessary operational infrastructure is in place.
Pawan Hans Seaplane Project Routes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Pilot Project)
As part of its initial foray into seaplane services, Pawan Hans, the primary operator of helicopter services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, introduced India’s first seaplane service as a pilot project. The following routes were operational during this pilot phase:
- Port Blair to Havelock Island
- Connecting the capital city of Port Blair with the popular tourist destination of Havelock Island, this route offered a faster and more scenic alternative to the ferry service. The seaplane significantly reduced travel time, enhancing accessibility for tourists visiting Havelock’s famous beaches and dive spots.
- Port Blair to Diglipur
- Diglipur, located in the northern part of the Andaman archipelago, is known for its ecotourism attractions, including the Saddle Peak National Park and Ross & Smith Islands. The seaplane service on this route aimed to reduce the long ferry or road travel time, improving connectivity for both tourists and locals.
- Port Blair to Hutbay (Little Andaman)
- Similar to Flybig’s planned route, Pawan Hans connected Port Blair with Hutbay on Little Andaman Island. The seaplane made the island more accessible, encouraging tourism to its less-explored beaches and natural attractions, including waterfalls and surfing spots.
These routes, operated with the Cessna 208A Amphibian Seaplane (with a capacity of 2 crew members and 8 passengers), were launched as part of a pilot initiative by Pawan Hans. Although the project was successful in generating interest, the full-scale expansion of these services is still under consideration, with future plans to revive and expand routes based on demand and infrastructure developments.
With Flybig’s entry into the seaplane sector, the groundwork laid by Pawan Hans will likely play a role in ensuring the new operations run smoothly. The renewed focus on simplifying regulations and promoting regional connectivity under the Udan scheme means that both Flybig and Pawan Hans could potentially collaborate or coexist in serving the seaplane travel market in the islands.
The Future of Seaplane Operations in India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Flybig’s collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the government reflects a strategic approach to making this vision a reality. The airline’s seaplane services are not only expected to enhance last-mile connectivity but also play an important role in emergency services, environmental monitoring, disaster relief, and coastal defense in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As the islands prepare for the introduction of this new mode of transport, excitement is growing among both local residents and tourists. Once fully operational, seaplane services will offer a unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the Andaman archipelago from both the sky and sea, marking a new chapter in India’s aviation history.
