- Gujarat, federal governments incentivising seaplane manufacturing.
- The government is identifying port sites for factories.
- Feasibility studies are underway for seaplane routes.
TH GUJARAT GOVERNMENT is revising its civil aviation policy to align with federal incentives for seaplane manufacturing. The updated policy, expected in the coming months, will introduce measures to encourage local production.
The government is identifying sites near ports for factories and will announce its incentives, according to The Economic Times.
In addition to manufacturing, the state is conducting feasibility studies for a seaplane circuit, with proposed routes from Ahmedabad to Dharoi, Somnath and Dwarka. The planning aims to prepare for implementation once the Union government’s viability gap funding scheme for seaplanes begins.
The government also plans to relaunch the Ahmedabad–Ektanagar seaplane service by reissuing tenders. The service was suspended in 2021 due to the pandemic and operational issues. It has invested about $2.1 million in the project, including waterdromes at the Sabarmati Riverfront and Ektanagar.
Recently, Gujarat received the “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem” award at Wings India 2026, held at Begumpet Airport from Jan. 28 to 31.
Gujarat ranked third among states in foreign tourist visits in 2024, with 2.274 million visitors, according to the tourism ministry. International arrivals to India rose to 20.57 million, up 8.89 percent from the previous year.
