UDAN Scheme Renewed for Another 10 Years
In a significant move, the Indian government has announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for another decade, ensuring affordable air travel for millions more Indians. This extension aims to further enhance regional air connectivity and promote economic growth in areas previously underserved by air travel. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu shared the update during an event celebrating eight years of the scheme.
The UDAN scheme, originally launched on October 21, 2016, was designed to connect smaller towns and cities with major air hubs, making flying accessible and affordable for the common citizen. With the renewal, the scheme will now run for a total of 20 years, further contributing to the expansion of regional air travel and economic development.
During the event, Minister Naidu highlighted how UDAN has played a crucial role in the growth of regional airlines, job creation, and tourism. “This scheme has not only made air travel accessible to the common people but has also spurred economic growth in smaller towns and cities,” he said. The scheme has already enabled the operation of flights on 601 routes, covering 71 airports, and facilitated connectivity for areas that previously had limited or no air services.
India Extends Affordable Flights Initiative
Vumlunmang Vualnam, the Secretary of Civil Aviation, emphasized that while UDAN has been successful, there are ongoing efforts to improve the scheme. This includes simplifying the procedures and making the program more financially sustainable for participating airlines. Ensuring the long-term viability of these airlines will be key to the scheme’s continued success.
Since its inception, the scheme has benefitted over 1.44 crore passengers, with 2.8 lakh flights operated under the initiative. This includes operations from 86 aerodromes, which consist of 71 airports, 13 heliports, and two water aerodromes. The civil aviation network in India has grown substantially, with the number of operational airports doubling from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. The government is targeting an ambitious expansion of this network to 350–400 airports by 2047.
The extension of the UDAN scheme signals the government’s commitment to ensuring that air travel becomes an integral part of daily life for more Indians, especially those living in remote or underserved regions. As India continues to develop its infrastructure and grow its aviation industry, the UDAN initiative remains a cornerstone of its efforts to democratize air travel and foster regional growth.
