Civil Aviation Minister Announces 10-Year Extension of UDAN Scheme to Boost Regional Connectivity

In a landmark announcement, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu confirmed the extension of the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), for an additional ten years. This declaration coincided with the celebration of the eighth anniversary of the initiative, which aims to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible and affordable for the average citizen.

Launched on October 21, 2016, the UDAN scheme has made significant strides in operationalizing 601 routes and 71 airports across the country. The initiative has been instrumental in promoting the growth of regional airlines, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. Minister Naidu highlighted the scheme’s substantial impact, emphasizing its continued relevance in fostering connectivity across India’s diverse regions.

Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam added that the ministry is currently evaluating the financial viability of the scheme and is working on streamlining procedures to enhance its effectiveness. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of the UDAN initiative are maximized for both passengers and service providers.

According to a press release from the ministry, a total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized under the UDAN scheme, which includes 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes. This extensive network has facilitated travel for over 14.4 million passengers through more than 280,000 flights since its inception.

Moreover, the number of operational airports in India has risen dramatically from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing air travel infrastructure. Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans to increase this number to 350-400 airports by 2047, further solidifying India’s position in the global aviation sector and making air travel more accessible to all citizens.