Udaan Scheme Celebrates Milestone with 14.9 Million Passengers, Aims for 40 Million in Next Phase
The Udaan scheme has successfully transported 14.9 million passengers, with plans to expand to 40 million in the next decade.
New Delhi, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Udaan scheme, aimed at making regional air travel affordable, has marked a significant achievement, with over 14.9 million passengers flying since its inception. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in a fact sheet released on October 20, 2026, celebrating the program’s 10-year anniversary.
Connecting 90 airports across the country, including two water aerodromes and 15 heliports, the Udaan scheme has successfully launched 625 routes. It has played a crucial role in linking remote areas to India’s aviation network, boosting local economies, promoting tourism, and creating employment opportunities nationwide.
According to the fact sheet, the scheme has enhanced regional tourism, improved access to healthcare services, and strengthened business operations. Economic development has accelerated in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as a result.
Building on its initial success, the next phase of the Udaan scheme aims to add 120 new destinations and provide affordable air travel for an additional 40 million passengers over the next decade. The focus will be on improving air connectivity in remote, hilly, and aspirational districts, particularly in the Northeast region. Special assistance will also be provided for the development of heliports and small airports.
India’s airport network has expanded dramatically, growing from 74 in 2014 to 159 by 2024, effectively more than doubling in a decade. The government has committed to developing 50 new airports in the next five years, including new greenfield airports in Bihar, the expansion of Patna Airport, and the development of the existing airport in Bihta. These initiatives aim to meet future air travel demand and promote regional growth.
To support the scheme, various incentives have been introduced. A viability gap funding of ₹4,023.37 crore has been allocated to encourage air connectivity in underserved and remote areas. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), landing and parking fees for operating flights are waived, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) does not impose terminal navigation landing charges on these flights. Additionally, discounts are offered on route navigation and facility charges.
During the first three years, a maximum excise duty of 2% has been set on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) purchased at RCS airports. Airlines are also encouraged to enter code-sharing agreements to expand their reach.
States have committed to reducing the value-added tax (VAT) on ATF to 1% or less for ten years, and providing essential services such as security, firefighting, and utility services at discounted rates.
The fact sheet emphasizes that this collaborative framework has created an environment where airlines can thrive while serving regions that have long been overlooked.
