100 airports planned: How modified UDAN scheme benefits travellers
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Modified UDAN Scheme 2026, a major initiative aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity in India with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
The revamped Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) will be implemented over a 10-year period from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36, with full budgetary support from the Central Government.
100 airports to boost regional connectivity in India
Under the scheme, the government plans to develop 100 airports by upgrading existing unserved and underserved airstrips. This move is aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aimed at expanding infrastructure and building a globally competitive Indian aviation sector.
The airport development component is expected to involve an investment of ₹12,159 crore over eight years, targeting improved connectivity across tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Focus on affordable air travel and economic growth
The UDAN scheme 2026 is designed to:
- Enhance affordable air travel in India
- Boost trade, tourism, and regional economic growth
- Improve healthcare access and emergency response in remote and hilly regions
- Strengthen the viability of regional airlines and aerodromes
The scheme also supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting the domestic aerospace sector.
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Operational support for airports and airlines
To address high operational costs of regional airports, the government will provide operation and maintenance (O&M) support for three years, capped at:
- ₹3.06 crore per airport annually
- ₹0.90 crore per heliport or water aerodrome annually
This support, estimated at ₹2,577 crore, will cover around 441 aerodromes.
Additionally, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹10,043 crore over 10 years will be provided to airline operators to sustain operations on regional routes.
Helipads and aircraft procurement to improve last-mile connectivity
To strengthen connectivity in hilly, remote, and island regions, the scheme includes plans to develop 200 modern helipads, each costing ₹15 crore, with a total estimated investment of ₹3,661 crore over eight years.
The government also aims to address the shortage of small aircraft by procuring:
- Two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans
- Two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air
UDAN Scheme progress so far
Launched in 2016, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has significantly expanded regional connectivity in India. As of February 28, 2026:
- 663 routes have been operationalised
- 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes are connected
- Over 3.41 lakh flights have been operated
- Nearly 162.47 lakh passengers have benefited
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Outlook for India’s aviation sector
The Modified UDAN Scheme is expected to accelerate infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and affordable aviation access, playing a crucial role in India’s long-term economic growth and the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.
IANS