India Plans First Commercial Seaplane Service in Lakshadweep, Eyes Bhogapuram as Eastern Aviation Hub

India’s aviation sector is entering a new phase of expansion, with the Union government unveiling plans to launch the country’s first commercial seaplane service in Lakshadweep while positioning Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh as a major aviation and economic hub on the eastern coast.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said the initiatives form part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional air connectivity, expand airline capacity and build a globally competitive aviation ecosystem.

The proposed seaplane service is expected to improve connectivity between islands in Lakshadweep, offering faster transportation for residents and tourists while opening new opportunities for tourism and economic activity. Seaplanes are seen as an effective solution for regions where conventional airport infrastructure is limited, making them suitable for island destinations and remote coastal locations.

Alongside the Lakshadweep initiative, the government is focusing on Bhogapuram International Airport, which is expected to become a key gateway for trade, tourism and investment along India’s eastern coastline. The airport is anticipated to improve connectivity for northern Andhra Pradesh while supporting industrial growth and logistics development in the region.

The Centre is also looking beyond airport infrastructure by encouraging the growth of domestic airlines. According to the minister, India aims to have at least five domestic carriers operating fleets of more than 100 aircraft each, helping meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for air travel.

Another major priority is strengthening indigenous aircraft manufacturing. The recent completion of the design for the 19-seater SARAS aircraft marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to build domestic aerospace capabilities. The government believes that sustained investments and policy support will help create a stronger manufacturing ecosystem for aircraft and aviation technology.

Over the next decade, the Centre expects to invest between ₹20,000 crore and ₹30,000 crore in aviation-related infrastructure and manufacturing. The investment is expected to support airport development, improve regional connectivity and encourage domestic production, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as one of the world’s leading aviation markets while establishing itself as an important global hub for aircraft manufacturing and design.