Trial seaplane operations connecting Lakshadweep with Kochi began on Wednesday, marking a major push towards faster island connectivity, tourism expansion and emergency transport services in the union territory.
The operations were carried out by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) using a DHC6-400 Twin Otter seaplane aircraft as part of an ongoing operational assessment programme across the Lakshadweep islands.
According to CIAL, three trial operations were successfully completed during the day. The schedule included a Kochi-Agatti flight, a local training sortie at the Agatti water aerodrome and a return flight from Agatti to Kochi. The first flight departed Kochi at 9.30 am and landed at Agatti at 11.30 am.