In a major development aimed at transforming tourism and inter-island mobility in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Department of Civil Aviation has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Indian aviation operators to start commercial helicopter services across the island chain. The initiative, which comes ahead of the upcoming tourist season, is expected to significantly boost regional air connectivity, improve travel experiences, and attract more visitors to remote and scenic destinations in the Union Territory.
As per the official notification, the government is seeking participation from registered Indian operators who are interested in offering reliable and commercial helicopter services to key locations in the Andaman group. The proposed helipad network includes Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Long Island, Smith Island, Little Andaman, Chidyatapu, and Wandoor. These destinations will be connected via helicopter services originating from Sri Vijaya Puram, the administrative hub.
The Department of Civil Aviation has also clarified that the service will not only cater to the tourism sector but will also benefit local residents in need of efficient transportation options across geographically separated islands. For tourists, the plan includes special aerial tours offering panoramic views of the Andaman landscape, including a flyover of India’s only active volcano, Barren Island, along with glimpses of dense tropical forests, blue lagoons, and coral-fringed coastlines.
The services are proposed to be launched under a No-Cost-No-Commitment (NCNC) model. This approach allows the administration to assess operator interest and public response without making any immediate financial commitments. Based on the feedback and participation received through the EOI, the government will later issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to finalize the selection of operators and define operational logistics.
The deadline for submitting EOIs has been set for 19 September 2025, by 3:00 PM. A pre-application meeting will be held on 20 August 2025 at 4:00 PM in the Conference/Mini Conference Hall of the Secretariat in Sri Vijaya Puram. Interested parties may also attend this meeting via video conferencing. The EOI document is currently available under the ‘Announcement’ section of the official Andaman & Nicobar Administration website (www.andaman.gov.in).
By tapping into the region’s untapped potential for low-impact tourism, the helicopter service is being positioned as a sustainable and experience-driven transport model. Notably, many of the listed destinations are difficult to access by road or boat, making helicopter services a viable alternative for both emergency travel and leisure exploration.
According to tourism and aviation officials, the introduction of these services is expected to set new benchmarks in island connectivity and reduce travel fatigue among tourists arriving at Sri Vijaya Puram and seeking to explore outlying islands. With limited ferry frequency and weather-dependent boat services currently acting as bottlenecks, the planned helicopter routes will offer time-efficient options for both scheduled and chartered flights.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have long been positioned as an eco-tourism hotspot, and this step aims to align tourism offerings with global standards. From luxury travelers seeking aerial views to families looking for efficient travel between islands, the helicopter service is projected to serve a broad segment of visitors.
Officials also believe this move will complement other tourism initiatives being rolled out by the Union Territory administration in recent months. With improved connectivity, better infrastructure, and more diverse offerings, the islands aim to attract both domestic and international travelers throughout the year, not just during peak seasons.
As aviation firms begin assessing the opportunity, the administration hopes to finalize operational partnerships by the end of the year, in time to launch pilot services by early 2026. Once implemented, the helicopter network is expected to mark a significant shift in how people move across the archipelago, bringing previously remote, scenic corners of the islands within easy reach.
