Government Unveils ‘Modified UDAN’: 100 New Airports, 200 Helipads & Bigger Boost to Affordable Air Travel
Centre Rolls Out Next-Generation UDAN Scheme to Connect Every Corner of India, Strengthen Regional Aviation
The Voice of Chandigarh | Travel Trade Reporter
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the next phase of the Modified UDAN Scheme, aimed at significantly expanding regional air connectivity with plans to develop 100 new airports, 200 modern helipads, and provide enhanced financial support to airlines and airport operators.
The roadmap was unveiled during a high-level workshop at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, inaugurated by Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, in the presence of Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, and AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar.
Highlighting the transformation of India’s aviation sector, the Minister said the country has added 90 airports in the last 12 years, compared to just nine airports between 2001 and 2014. He noted that India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with nearly five lakh domestic passengers flying every day and a record 1.5 crore passengers in May alone.
The Modified UDAN Scheme introduces several major reforms, including:
- Development of 100 airports and 200 modern helipads over the next decade.
- Five-year Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support for airlines with a phased funding model.
- Removal of seat caps for larger aircraft operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
- Operational support for newly developed airports and heliports.
- Priority development of aerodromes and state-recommended regional routes.
- Improved slot allocation for UDAN flights at metro and major airports.
The workshop also witnessed the launch of the UDAN Scheme Document, outlining the vision and implementation strategy for the next phase. Representatives from airlines, airport operators, state governments and aviation stakeholders participated in discussions on strengthening regional connectivity and accelerating the growth of India’s aviation sector.
The revamped UDAN Scheme aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible while boosting tourism, trade, employment and balanced regional development across the country.
