India’s aviation sector is set for a new chapter as SkyHop Aviation secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing the way for commercial seaplane operations. The development positions the airline to launch what is being billed as the country’s first dedicated seaplane service, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and cutting travel time to remote locations.The certification comes shortly after a series of successful test flights, including water take-offs and landings at the Ganga Barrage and Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand, signalling operational readiness ahead of a commercial rollout.SkyHop Aviation is being developed to tap into regions where conventional airport infrastructure remains limited or unviable. The focus is on opening up hard-to-reach destinations, particularly islands and waterfront locations, while offering a faster alternative to long surface travel.Founder and CEO Avani Singh said the AOC marks a key milestone after months of groundwork, adding that the certification provides a regulatory foundation to begin operations. She acknowledged the support extended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav during the approval process.”Our aim is simple – to offer a safe, reliable and new way of connecting parts of India that are still difficult to access. We hope to deliver an experience that is both practical and memorable for travellers, while contributing in a small but meaningful way to regional access and national integration,” she said.The airline plans to begin operations with a 19-seater aircraft, with Lakshadweep identified as the first focus area. In the initial phase, SkyHop aims to connect five islands in the archipelago with each other and link them to the mainland, a move expected to significantly ease travel in the region.The company is also assessing similar opportunities across India, where seaplane connectivity could reduce travel gaps and support tourism and local economies.With regulatory clearance now in place, attention will shift to operational timelines and route expansion, as India explores seaplanes as a viable addition to its regional aviation network.