Ministry of Civil Aviation Marks 9th Anniversary of UDAN Scheme
Over 1.56 Crore Passengers Benefited via 3.23 Lakh Flights
The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, 21 October 2025: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) celebrated the ninth anniversary of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) in New Delhi. The event was chaired by the Secretary (Civil Aviation) and attended by the Chairman and Members of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), along with senior ministry officials.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha emphasized that since its launch on 21st October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, UDAN has revolutionized regional air travel, making it affordable and accessible for the common citizen. The first UDAN flight, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27th April 2017 between Shimla and Delhi, was a landmark in India’s aviation connectivity.
To date, UDAN has operationalized 649 routes, connecting 93 airports previously unserved or underserved, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. More than 1.56 crore passengers have traveled on 3.23 lakh flights under this scheme. The government has provided over Rs. 4,300 crore in Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support airlines and invested Rs. 4,638 crore in airport development under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
Recent initiatives include the introduction of Comprehensive Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in August 2024 and the launch of UDAN 5.5, a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters. Through this, Letters of Intent have been issued for 150 routes connecting 30 water aerodromes across coastal and island regions.
Looking ahead, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continue UDAN beyond April 2027 with an Expanded UDAN Framework, emphasizing connectivity to hilly regions, the North-East, and aspirational areas, along with the development of around 120 new destinations.
Sinha highlighted that UDAN is more than a scheme—it is a driver of inclusive and sustainable aviation growth, reflecting India’s commitment to making air travel an integral part of national development.
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