Aviation in India was once seen as a luxury reserved only for a privileged few. Flying was a dream for many ordinary citizens. To change this, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (“Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik”) on October 21, 2016. The idea was simple but powerful, that even a common man wearing ‘hawai chappal’ (slippers) should be able to afford travel on a ‘hawai jahaz’ (aeroplane). Implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, UDAN set out to make flying accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those living in smaller towns and remote areas. This dream began to take shape when the first UDAN flight operated between Shimla and Delhi on April 27, 2017, marking the start of a new era in regional air connectivity. As of April 2025, UDAN completes eight successful years of connecting people across India.
The UDAN scheme was conceptualized under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, with a vision to improve air connectivity in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The model was market-driven but supported financially by the government through Viability Gap Funding (VGF). This financial aid helped airlines cover their costs while keeping ticket prices affordable for passengers. Thanks to UDAN, India’s airport network has grown dramatically, from just 74 airports in 2014 to 159 airports by 2024. This includes two water aerodromes and fifteen heliports. Over 1.49 crore passengers have already benefited from affordable air travel under UDAN, and Rs 4,023.37 crore has been disbursed in the form of VGF to encourage airlines to operate on routes that were previously unviable.
The UDAN scheme has multiple important components. Firstly, it ensures low airfares by capping ticket prices. To support this, the government provides financial incentives to airlines through VGF. Secondly, a strong collaborative framework between the Central Government, State Governments, Airport Authority of India (AAI), and private airport operators ensures smooth implementation. Several supportive measures have been adopted to attract airlines to operate in underserved regions. Airport operators waive landing and parking charges for UDAN flights, and the AAI does not charge Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on these flights. The Route Navigation and Facilitation Charges (RNFC) are also offered at discounted rates. The Central Government has kept the excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at only 2 Per Cent for flights at UDAN airports during the first three years. Meanwhile, State Governments have lowered VAT on ATF to 1 Per Cent or less and provide essential services like security and fire services at concessional rates. This collaborative structure makes it easier for airlines to fly to smaller towns while keeping operations sustainable.
Since its inception, UDAN has expanded significantly through several phases. UDAN 1.0 was launched in 2017, during which five airline operators were awarded 128 regional routes connecting 70 airports, including 36 new airports. UDAN 2.0 in 2018 expanded the scheme to 73 more underserved and unserved airports and introduced helicopter routes for the first time. UDAN 3.0, launched in 2019, added tourism-focused routes and introduced seaplane operations, especially in the North-East region. UDAN 4.0 in 2020 further focused on hilly areas, North-Eastern states, and islands, strengthening helicopter and seaplane connectivity. Now, as UDAN enters its 9th year in October 2025, it has operationalized 625 routes, connecting 90 airports across India.
The UDAN scheme has also introduced several innovative ideas to make air travel even more accessible and inclusive. One such initiative is the UDAN Yatri Cafes, started at airports like Kolkata and Chennai. These cafes provide affordable food options to passengers, offering tea for just Rs 10 and samosas for Rs 20, making airports more friendly for travelers from all walks of life. To further improve regional connectivity, Seaplane Operations Guidelines were released in August 2024. Under UDAN Round 5.5, over 50 water bodies have been identified for seaplane operations, helping to connect areas where building traditional airports might be difficult.
Looking ahead, the government has launched a Revamped UDAN Initiative to connect 120 new destinations and enable affordable air travel for 4 crore additional passengers over the next decade. The focus will be on linking remote and hilly regions, especially in the North East, and providing greater support for smaller airports and helipads. Another important offshoot is the Krishi UDAN Scheme, which supports farmers by facilitating quick and cost-effective air transport for agricultural produce. This is especially helpful for farmers in the Northeast, tribal areas, and hilly regions. Currently, Krishi UDAN covers 58 airports, helping improve farmers’ incomes by connecting them to bigger markets.
Infrastructure development is another critical area linked to UDAN’s success. Over the next five years, the government plans to develop 50 new airports. This includes greenfield airports in Bihar, the expansion of Patna Airport, and a new brownfield airport at Bihta. These developments are essential to meet the rising demand for air travel and to further boost regional economies.
UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a revolutionary movement that has brought affordable flying within the reach of ordinary Indians. It has connected remote and neglected regions with major cities, given a huge boost to local economies, tourism, healthcare, and trade, and created jobs across the country. UDAN has truly bridged the gap between Bharat and India, symbolizing inclusive growth and the power of visionary governance. As India moves towards becoming a major global aviation hub, UDAN remains a shining example of how targeted policy initiatives can change lives, one flight at a time.
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