Seaplane operations in India were started in October 2020 by SpiceJet airline with the DHC6 Twin Otter leased from Maldivian.
The operation is presently halted due to the monsoon season where the visibility would be low and operating in hilly regions would prove to be too risky.
The DHC6 Twin Otter seaplane is flown under Visual Flight Rule (VFR) which requires fair visibility to operate.
“SpiceJet, which operates the seaplane service, has said the service will resume operations in September. A date has not yet been finalized.” Captain Ajay Chauhan, Director, Civil aviation, Government of Gujarat.
Spice jet operated two daily flights between the Statue of Unity near Kevadiya in Gujarat's Narmada district and the Sabarmati riverfront.
A third seaplane aerodrome has been identified which would be used when the seaplane operations resume.
Earlier in June the Indian ministry of state for ports, shipping, and waterways also signed an MoU with the ministry of civil aviation to further expand seaplane services in India.
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