India’s aviation sector continues to witness transformative growth with the UDAN scheme, launched on October 21, 2016, to make air travel accessible and affordable for all citizens. The initiative, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Modi, has enabled travelers from underserved regions to experience flight connectivity, fulfilling the dream of making aviation a reality for every Indian. Since the inaugural flight between Shimla and Delhi on April 27, 2017, UDAN has successfully operationalized 625 routes, connecting 90 airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, significantly enhancing regional connectivity.
Over 1.49 crore passengers have benefited from affordable air travel under UDAN, with the country’s airport network expanding from 74 in 2014 to 159 by 2024. The scheme’s financial framework ensures sustainability, with US Rs. 4.02 billion disbursed as Viability Gap Funding to incentivize airlines and maintain accessible fares. Regional tourism, healthcare access, and trade have flourished, strengthening local economies, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Since inception, UDAN has evolved through multiple rounds, progressively expanding reach and efficiency. The latest phase has reformed bidding guidelines, enhanced helicopter and seaplane operations, and removed distance caps, allowing greater flexibility in route planning. Initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafes at major airports and Krishi UDAN to support agricultural logistics further highlight the scheme’s impact beyond passenger transport.
The scheme has also empowered emerging regional airlines, including Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91, helping them establish viable business models in previously inaccessible markets. More than 3 lakh UDAN flights have operated, connecting key destinations such as Khajuraho, Amritsar, Ajmer, Deoghar, and various regions of Northeast India. The government’s commitment to infrastructure expansion remains firm, with plans to establish 50 new airports in the next five years, including greenfield projects and brownfield expansions.
As India approaches the ninth year of UDAN in October 2025, the initiative stands as a beacon of inclusive growth, reshaping air travel accessibility and regional connectivity. With ambitious goals to add 120 new destinations and enable 4 crore more passengers to experience affordable air travel, the scheme continues to bridge economic and geographic divides, reinforcing India’s position as an emerging aviation powerhouse.
