Published: 20 October 2025PIBGovernance
UDAN Scheme Celebrates 9th Anniversary: 93 Unserved Airports Connected
The Ministry of Civil Aviation celebrated the 9th anniversary of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme on October 21, 2025. Launched on October 21, 2016, under the National Civil Aviation Policy, UDAN has operationalised 649 routes connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.
The government has disbursed over ₹4,300 crore as Viability Gap Funding and invested ₹4,638 crore in airport development. The Ministry announced UDAN 5.5, a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters, with Letters of Intent for 150 routes. The scheme will continue beyond April 2027 through an Expanded UDAN Framework focused on hilly and North-Eastern regions.
0Mains angle
Q: Assess the achievements of the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme on its ninth anniversary and evaluate its role in democratising air travel in India. Answer (50 words): Launched on October 21, 2016, UDAN has operationalised 649 routes connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. Government disbursed over ₹4,300 crore as Viability Gap Funding and ₹4,638 crore for airport development. UDAN 5.5 extends seaplane and helicopter connectivity nationwide.
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Explanation · Correct answer CVizhinjam Port in Kerala became India's first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, announced operational during India Maritime Week 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many unserved airports has UDAN scheme connected?
The **UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme** has connected **93 unserved airports** across India, celebrating its **9th anniversary** in October 2025 with significant milestones in regional air connectivity.
What is the UDAN scheme and when was it launched?
**UDAN** stands for *Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik* (Let the Common Citizen Fly). It was launched in **2016** to make air travel affordable and accessible to common citizens by connecting underserved and unserved regions across India.
What milestone did UDAN scheme complete on its 9th anniversary?
On its **9th anniversary** in October 2025, the UDAN scheme celebrated connecting **93 unserved airports** and enabling millions of first-time flyers from smaller towns and tier-2/3 cities to access affordable air travel.
How has UDAN scheme changed regional air connectivity in India?
UDAN transformed **regional aviation** by bringing air connectivity to smaller towns and remote regions, with subsidised airfares making flying accessible to common citizens. The scheme connected previously isolated regions to major cities and economic hubs.
What is the significance of 93 airports connected under UDAN?
Connecting **93 unserved airports** under UDAN demonstrates India's commitment to **democratising air travel**, boosting regional economic development, tourism, and trade connectivity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
