Seaplane services launched in Gujarat, India, with assistance from the Maldives government, have been suspended.
Some Indian newspapers reported that the flights, operated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, were canceled due to unexpectedly high operational costs.
The regional government spent $1.6 million (MVR 25 million) to start seaplane services between Ahmedabad's Sabarmati waterfront and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Leveraging the Maldives' extensive expertise in seaplane operations, India launched the service with technical expertise from the Maldives and with Maldivian pilots and crew. Launched in 2020 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the seaplane service, conducted in partnership with SpiceJet, utilized a 19-seat seaplane for operations.
The suspension of seaplane flights in India comes amid strained relations between the Maldives and India.
