SkyHop Aviation has made significant progress towards launching India's first commercial seaplane services by successfully conducting a test flight on April 6, 2026, at the Ganga Barrage in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The test utilized a modified De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, which has been adapted for water operations after previously serving with the now-defunct Fly Big airline. Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, emphasized the project’s alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In its initial phase, SkyHop plans to connect five islands in Lakshadweep, enhancing tourism and regional access. The government has shown increasing interest in seaplane connectivity, with initiatives to support manufacturing and operations. SkyHop's long-term strategy includes deploying additional aircraft in areas like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where seaplanes could significantly reduce travel times and improve accessibility.