Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 05 August 2025
In a significant move to strengthen air connectivity and promote tourism across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Department of Civil Aviation, A&N Administration has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from registered Indian aviation operators for launching commercial helicopter services to major tourist destinations in the Islands.
This initiative is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and offering reliable air transport to both tourists and local residents. Helipads at strategic locations such as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Long Island, Smith Island, Little Andaman, Chidyatapu, and Wandoor will be made available for operations originating from Sri Vijaya Puram.
As part of the planned services, tourists will also get a chance to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Islands, including a unique flyover of India’s only active volcano at Barren Island, along with panoramic sights of pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich marine biodiversity.
The services are proposed to be introduced on a No-Cost-No-Commitment (NCNC) basis. Following the response to this EOI, a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to finalize operators for identified routes in time for the upcoming tourist season.
Interested aviation operators can access the EOI document under the ‘Announcement’ section of the official website www.andaman.gov.in. The last date for submission is 19th September 2025 by 3:00 PM. A pre-application meeting is scheduled for 20th August 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Conference/Mini Conference Hall of the Secretariat, Sri Vijaya Puram, with an option to join via video conferencing.
The Administration has encouraged all eligible operators to participate in this ambitious project aimed at fostering sustainable tourism and enhancing the visitor experience in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. (Story Based on PR)
