Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Andaman Islands Plan Helicopter Services to Boost Tourism
The government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is looking for companies to start helicopter services to connect different islands.
They put out a notice to see who is interested.
The helicopters will fly to popular places like Shaheed Dweep and even the active volcano island.
The government is helping by providing places for helicopters to land and wait.
Companies will run the services themselves, without any extra money from the government.
This is because the islands are getting more tourists, and helicopters can help people travel to more remote locations that are hard to reach by ferry.
Andaman and Nicobar Administration seeks bids for commercial helicopter services.
EOI is for services between Port Blair and 11 islands, including tourist destinations.
The project will utilize existing aviation infrastructure, including a dedicated terminal.
Operations are on a commercial basis; no government subsidies or funding provided.
The initiative aims to improve connectivity, especially for remote islands.
- Who
- The Andaman and Nicobar Administration is the initiator; aviation companies are the target.
- What
- The Andaman and Nicobar Administration is seeking commercial helicopter services.
- When
- An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been issued.
- Where
- Between Port Blair and 11 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
- Why
- To improve inter-island connectivity, especially to remote locations and cater to growing tourism.
Existing Ferry Services
Proposed Helicopter Services
Connectivity to Remote Locations
Existing Ferry Services
Government-run ferries currently serve most islands.
Proposed Helicopter Services
Helicopter services could reach more remote locations
- EOI Issued For
- Commercial helicopter services
- Proposed Routes
- Port Blair to 11 islands
- Infrastructure
- Existing Inter-Island Helicopter Terminal at Veer Savarkar International Airport
- Operational Basis
- Commercial, no government subsidies
- Visitor Count in 2024
- Over 72,000
- Number of Helipads
- 19