UDAN Completes 10 Years with 687 Air Routes as India Plans 100 New Regional Airports and 200 Helipads

India’s ambitious regional aviation programme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), completes ten years on 21 October 2026, marking a decade of efforts to make air travel more accessible and connect previously underserved regions of the country. Since its launch in October 2016, the scheme has operationalised 687 regional air routes and 95 aerodromes, carrying approximately 1.72 crore passengers on more than 3.68 lakh flights.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation released a detailed assessment of the programme on 20 October 2026, highlighting its contribution to regional connectivity, tourism, economic development and employment generation. The report also outlines the next phase of UDAN, backed by an allocation of ₹28,840 crore over ten years, with plans to develop 100 regional airports, establish 200 modern helipads and promote indigenous aircraft manufacturing.

The programme has played an important role in expanding India’s aviation network beyond major metropolitan centres, bringing smaller cities, remote communities and economically important regional destinations into the country’s growing air transport system.

A Decade of Expanding Regional Air Connectivity

The Regional Connectivity Scheme, popularly known as UDAN, was launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy. Its objective was to make regional air travel affordable while encouraging airlines to operate commercially sustainable services between underserved destinations.

The scheme began commercial operations in April 2017 with the inaugural UDAN flight connecting Shimla and Delhi. Since then, it has supported the development of new regional air services through a combination of financial incentives, infrastructure development and cooperation between the Central Government, state governments, airport operators and airlines.

Over the past decade, UDAN has operationalised 687 routes serving 95 aerodromes, including 17 heliports and two water aerodromes. More than 3.68 lakh flights have operated under the programme, providing air connectivity to approximately 1.72 crore passengers.

The initiative forms part of India’s broader aviation expansion. According to the government’s assessment, the number of operational airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 2026. India has also emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, reflecting the rapid growth of passenger traffic and aviation infrastructure.

Making Regional Aviation Economically Sustainable

One of the principal challenges in connecting smaller cities is the commercial viability of operating flights on routes with relatively limited passenger traffic. UDAN addresses this challenge through Viability Gap Funding (VGF), airfare caps, airport-related concessions and market-based airline selection.

Under this framework, airlines receive financial support for eligible regional routes while passengers benefit from regulated fares on designated seats. The arrangement encourages airlines to serve destinations that might otherwise remain outside regular commercial aviation networks.

As of 15 October 2026, the government had disbursed ₹5,091.23 crore in Viability Gap Funding under the scheme. This assistance has supported regional air services while helping smaller airports develop passenger demand and economic activity.

The programme also contributes to employment across aviation-related industries. The government’s assessment estimates that employment in the wider aviation sector increased from approximately three million in 2014 to nearly 7.7 million in 2026. These figures cover the broader aviation industry and should not be interpreted as jobs created exclusively by UDAN.

Modified UDAN to Receive ₹28,840 Crore Over Ten Years

The government formally launched the next phase of UDAN on 4 July 2026, introducing a revised framework that places greater emphasis on regional aviation infrastructure, operational sustainability and indigenous aircraft manufacturing.

The Modified UDAN Scheme will operate from FY2026–27 to FY2035–36, with a total financial outlay of ₹28,840 crore. It seeks to create a more comprehensive regional aviation ecosystem by addressing infrastructure limitations, operating costs and long-term connectivity requirements.

A major component involves developing 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips. The government has earmarked ₹12,159 crore over eight years for this initiative, which will bring additional locations into the country’s civil aviation network.

The programme also includes the development of 200 modern helipads, with an estimated allocation of ₹3,661 crore. These facilities will improve air accessibility in mountainous regions, remote districts and areas where conventional airport development presents geographical or operational challenges.

Another ₹2,577 crore will support the operation and maintenance of approximately 441 aerodromes for three years. This assistance is designed to strengthen the financial and operational sustainability of regional aviation infrastructure.

The government has also allocated ₹10,043 crore towards Viability Gap Funding for airlines over the next decade, helping sustain regional air services as passenger demand develops.

Indigenous HAL Aircraft to Support Regional Connectivity

One of the most significant features of Modified UDAN is its emphasis on promoting aircraft manufactured in India.

The government has proposed an allocation of ₹400 crore to support the acquisition of two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air. The initiative connects regional aviation development with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and efforts to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing.

The HAL Dhruv is an indigenously developed advanced light helicopter designed for operations across varied geographical and climatic conditions. Its capabilities make the platform relevant for air transport requirements in difficult terrain, particularly where conventional fixed-wing aircraft operations face infrastructure constraints.

The HAL Dornier 228 is a twin-engine aircraft suited to short-haul operations and regional connectivity. Its short take-off and landing capabilities make it valuable for connecting smaller airports and locations with limited runway infrastructure.

The proposed acquisition of these aircraft represents an important opportunity for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. It also demonstrates the potential for indigenous aircraft to support civil aviation requirements alongside their established military and government applications.

By encouraging the use of domestically manufactured platforms, the government aims to strengthen aircraft production, maintenance capabilities and associated aerospace supply chains.

Northeast India Emerges as a Major Beneficiary

Regional aviation connectivity is particularly important for Northeast India, where mountainous terrain, geographical isolation and long road journeys often complicate transportation.

Under UDAN, 90 priority regional routes have been operationalised across the northeastern states. The government has identified 52 aerodromes, including heliports and water aerodromes, in the region, of which 12 have been operationalised.

Improved air connectivity supports tourism, healthcare access, trade and the movement of agricultural products. It also reduces travel times between remote communities and major urban centres.

Tezu Airport in Arunachal Pradesh illustrates the benefits of this expansion. Operationalised in 2021, the airport serves a remote region near India’s northeastern frontier and provides improved access for more than two lakh people.

Air connectivity has reduced travel time between Tezu and Guwahati to approximately one hour. The airport also supports the movement of regional agricultural products, including ginger, cardamom and rice, creating additional opportunities for local producers.

Regional Airports Transform Local Economies

The expansion of UDAN has also supported economic activity in smaller cities by improving connections with major commercial, religious and tourism destinations.

Purnea Airport Strengthens Connectivity in Bihar

The operationalisation of Purnea Airport in Bihar in 2025 improved air connectivity for the Seemanchal and Kosi regions, which previously depended heavily on distant airports and lengthy road journeys.

The airport now provides improved access for communities across more than ten districts, including Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar. According to the government’s assessment, travel time to Kolkata has been reduced to approximately two hours, while Patna can be reached in about one hour.

Purnea is an important agricultural centre associated with products such as makhana, litchi and vegetables. Improved aviation infrastructure strengthens opportunities for business travel, agricultural trade and regional economic development.

Deoghar Airport Supports Pilgrimage and Healthcare

Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand has improved access to one of eastern India’s important religious destinations, Baba Baidyanath Dham.

Before the airport became operational in July 2022, visitors frequently faced lengthy road journeys from major cities. Direct air connectivity has reduced travel time and improved accessibility for pilgrims.

The airport also supports healthcare access by facilitating travel to AIIMS Deoghar and has contributed to the growth of hospitality and tourism-related businesses.

The development demonstrates how regional aviation infrastructure can support religious tourism while generating wider economic benefits for surrounding communities.

Kishangarh Airport Boosts Trade and Tourism in Rajasthan

Kishangarh Airport in Rajasthan has strengthened connectivity for the marble industry and tourism destinations such as Ajmer and Pushkar.

Before regional air services became available, travellers often depended on Jaipur Airport and additional road journeys to reach these locations. Improved connectivity has supported business travel, tourism and access to regional commercial centres.

The airport has also contributed to aviation training activities, including the establishment of a flying training organisation in 2022.

The development illustrates how regional airports can become centres for economic activity extending beyond passenger transportation.

New Framework Encourages State Participation in Aviation Development

The next phase of UDAN places greater emphasis on cooperation between the Central Government, states, Union Territories and the Airports Authority of India.

The government has signed 21 memoranda of understanding with participating states and Union Territories to coordinate the identification, development and operationalisation of regional aviation infrastructure.

A dedicated Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development will enable states and Union Territories to propose existing airstrips and helipads for development under the programme.

This approach allows regional aviation infrastructure to be planned according to local transportation requirements, economic opportunities and geographical conditions.

It also provides a framework for developing aviation facilities in areas where demand exists but suitable airport infrastructure remains limited.

Regional Aviation Creates New Opportunities for Indian Manufacturing

The expansion of regional air connectivity has implications beyond passenger transportation. It creates opportunities for Indian companies involved in aircraft manufacturing, airport construction, aviation electronics, maintenance, ground handling and infrastructure development.

The next phase of UDAN places particular emphasis on building an ecosystem for Made in India civil aircraft. The proposed acquisition of HAL-built aircraft provides an initial connection between regional aviation requirements and indigenous aerospace production.

Additional regional airports and helipads will require navigation equipment, communication systems, safety infrastructure, maintenance facilities and specialised engineering services.

These requirements can create opportunities for Indian public sector undertakings, private manufacturers and technology companies participating in the country’s growing aviation industry.

The long-term development of a domestic regional aviation ecosystem will also support technical expertise, specialised employment and the expansion of India’s aerospace supply chains.

A New Decade for India’s Regional Aviation Network

Ten years after its launch, UDAN has established a substantial regional aviation network, operationalising 687 routes and carrying 1.72 crore passengers. The programme has improved accessibility for smaller cities, remote regions, pilgrimage centres and emerging economic hubs.

The Modified UDAN Scheme marks the next stage of this effort, combining the development of 100 regional airports and 200 modern helipads with financial support for airlines and greater participation by state governments.

Its emphasis on indigenous aircraft manufacturing also creates an important link between India’s aviation expansion and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

As India enters the second decade of UDAN, the integration of regional connectivity, modern infrastructure and domestically manufactured aircraft will strengthen the country’s aviation ecosystem while bringing more communities into the national transport network.

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References

1. Press Information Bureau, Government of India — 20 October 2026. Wings of Change: 10 Years of Redefining Regional Air Connectivity through UDAN. Official factsheet detailing operationalised routes, passenger numbers, aviation infrastructure, regional development and Modified UDAN.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=151125&lang=1&reg=3
2. Press Information Bureau, Government of India — 20 October 2026. UDAN Scheme Completes 10 Years of Regional Air Connectivity. Official announcement covering the achievements of the scheme and the next phase of development.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2325359&lang=1&reg=3
3. Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. Modified UDAN Scheme: Framework and Implementation. Government documentation outlining the development of regional aviation infrastructure, operational support and revised programme objectives.
   https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-09/modified-udan-scheme-v1.2-workshop-1.pdf
4. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Cabinet Approval for Modified UDAN Scheme. Official documentation on the programme’s financial provisions, airport development targets and implementation framework.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2245096&reg=3&lang=1

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