SkyHop Aviation has taken a key step toward launching India’s first commercial seaplane operations by successfully completing a test flight that included both landing and take-off from the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh on 06 April 2026. The trial marks an important milestone for the company as it moves closer to securing regulatory approvals and beginning passenger services.
The test was conducted using a modified De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft fitted with floats, allowing it to operate on water. This aircraft had previously belonged to the now-defunct Fly Big airline and has been repurposed for seaplane use in India after undergoing modifications and certification.
Speaking on the development, Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, said, “SkyHop, set to become India’s first commercial seaplane operator, successfully completed a test flight with a landing and take-off from the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh on 06 April 2026.
Source: Economic Times, India
