The Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) has enabled over 1.56 crore passengers to travel through 3.23 lakh flights since its launch on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy. Marking its 9th anniversary, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha called UDAN a transformational initiative that made air travel affordable and accessible. The government plans to extend the scheme beyond April 2027 under an Expanded UDAN Framework, focusing on better connectivity to hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions and developing 120 new destinations.
So far, 649 routes have connected 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. Over ₹4,300 crore has been given as Viability Gap Funding, and ₹4,638 crore invested in airport development. The government also introduced Guidelines for Seaplane Operations and launched UDAN 5.5, granting Letters of Intent for 150 new routes connecting 30 water aerodromes across coastal and island regions.
