India to study Maldives’ Seaplane model ahead of UDAN 5.5 operations
These aircraft operate almost 600 flights and carry 5,000 passengers every day.
India will study seaplane operations in the Maldives as it prepares to roll out the latest Phase 5.5 of its flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN, sources told businessline.
The Maldives has developed comprehensive operational best practices that allow the smooth functioning of around 100–120 twin-engine seaplanes.
These aircraft operate almost 600 flights and carry 5,000 passengers every day.
Accordingly, these practices make the Maldives an ideal case study for India as it seeks to replicate such services in coastal and remote regions.
Speaking to businessline, sources said that a high-level delegation consisting of officials from civil aviation authorities will soon travel to examine the Maldives’ well-established seaplane ecosystem.
Besides, the latest study tour will assess regulatory frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and operational best practices of the Maldives.
This will be the third such visit by the civil aviation authorities to the island nation.
As of now, two previous delegations have already conducted similar studies, providing valuable insights into the Maldivian model.
Furthermore, the latest mission is considered critical, as it will have a direct bearing on the final contours of the UDAN 5.5 scheme.
According to sources, the latest iteration of UDAN intends to promote last-mile connectivity in remote regions, hilly areas, and island territories.
Under this phase, routes have been awarded that will be serviced exclusively with seaplanes, choppers, and small aircraft with a seating capacity of fewer than 20 passengers.
Industry insiders expect that the flights under UDAN 5.5 will commence by the year end.
Till now, ‘Letters of Award’ for routes under the scheme have been issued to three players, including SkyHop and Pawan Hans.
As per sources, the 5.5 version is offering operators a chance to chart out seaplane routes between 80 water bodies, which include waterdromes, ponds, and dams.
Before the scheme’s launch, several state governments, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, had expressed interest in enhancing air connectivity through seaplanes.
At present, there are no seaplane services in India.
However, these types of flight services did exist in India and gained notable attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew on a seaplane between the Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Gujarat during 2019–20.
The service, operated by SpiceJet, was eventually discontinued for commercial reasons and due to the impact of COVID-19.
Globally, seaplanes are used for connectivity in various island and tourist destinations.
Seaplanes are manufactured by global companies like De Havilland Canada, Cessna, and a few others.
Industry estimates forecast the creation of over 50 seaplane routes and the development of around 20–25 aerodromes over the next five years.
The forecast anticipates a requirement of around 30 aircraft in the next five years.
Published on September 30, 2025
