Kochi-Lakshadweep seaplane service soon

Kochi: The much-hyped seaplane services will soon start at Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial). The private firm which operates the seaplane from Kochi to Lakshadweep brought the aircraft to Cial.The service to Lakshadweep will start within a couple of weeks as Union govt is expected to give its nod soon, Cial officials said. "The aircraft arrived a couple of days ago," Cial director G Manu said. As per earlier plans, the fare from Kochi to Lakshadweep will be around Rs 12,000. If Union govt includes the seaplane project in Udan scheme, the operators may be able to give a few tickets in the range of Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Final decision on fares will be announced later. Cial authorities gave suggestions to state govt on four destinations in Kerala as the route for seaplane operations. Union govt already gave approval for SpiceJet to operate seaplanes from Kochi-Lakshadweep sector. According to Cial authorities, the services within state will be started after the operations between Kochi and Lakshadweep are commissioned. The trial of seaplane services was held between the backwaters off Bolgatty, Kochi to Mattupetty Dam, Idukki on Nov 11, 2024. tnn