Launched in 2017, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has successfully completed eight years of expanding regional air connectivity across India. Aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread, the scheme has revitalized underserved airports, boosted tourism, and provided a vital push to regional economic growth.

Key Points and Achievements:

• Airfares are capped to make air travel accessible for the average Indian citizen.
• Over 500 routes and 70+ regional airports have been connected under the scheme.
• More than 11 million passengers have traveled on UDAN flights since its launch.
• Many dormant airports and airstrips have been operationalized to improve connectivity.
• The scheme has helped boost regional tourism, trade, and employment opportunities.
• Several routes use smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft to promote eco-friendly regional connectivity.

Scheme Overview and Details:

Launched on April 27, 2017, UDAN is implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. ?The primary objective of the UDAN scheme is to make air travel affordable and widespread, especially for people living in smaller cities and remote regions.

It aims to enhance regional connectivity by developing unserved and underserved airports, thereby promoting balanced economic growth, job creation, and easier access to transport for all citizens.

The scheme follows a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model where airlines receive financial support to operate flights on less-profitable regional routes. The scheme caps airfares at ?2,500 for a one-hour flight (~500 km) to ensure affordability.

It also encourages the revival of underutilized airports and aims to strengthen air infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.