Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala’s seaplane tourism took a significant step forward on Sunday as the first seaplane successfully landed in the Kochi backwaters. The seaplane, which flew in from Vijayawada, touched down at the Bolgatty backwaters at 2:30 p.m., marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the state’s tourism sector.
Today(Monday), Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas will officially launch the trial seaplane service, which will operate between Bolgatty and the Mattupetty reservoir near Munnar. This marks a major milestone in Kerala’s plan to connect its picturesque waterways through aerial routes, with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) providing essential technical expertise and infrastructure for the project.
With its extensive network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, Kerala is perfectly suited for seaplane tourism. The new services are expected to offer visitors an unparalleled experience of aerial views over the state’s famous landscapes, including the Western Ghats and Munnar.
The amphibious aircraft, which can carry up to nine passengers, can take off and land on both land and water, offering a thrilling experience for tourists. While seaplane tourism is expected to boost Kerala’s economy by creating jobs and enhancing connectivity to remote areas, challenges remain in ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.
The initiative is part of the Civil Aviation Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN and is expected to open up new avenues for tourism in Kerala, with services planned from several locations, including Kovalam, Kumarakom, and Idukki Dam.
