UDAN Scheme – How India’s Regional Air Connectivity Plan Works for Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities
The UDAN Scheme, short for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik, is India’s flagship government program to make air travel affordable for common citizens. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme in early 2026 with a budget of ₹28,840 crore covering 2026-2036, showing that regional air connectivity remains a national priority.
Whether you live in Darbhanga, Shivamogga, or Jharsuguda, this guide explains how the scheme works, which airports it serves, which airlines operate UDAN routes, and how you can book a ticket at a capped fare.
The Current India breaks down everything you need to know, backed by official government data and real passenger numbers.
UDAN Scheme at a Glance
| 663 Routes operationalized (as of Feb 2026) | 95 Airports, heliports & water aerodromes connected |
| 1.62 Cr Passengers flown under UDAN | ₹2,500 Capped one-hour fare (up to 500 km) |
| ₹28,840 Cr Govt. outlay approved for 2026–2036 | 120 New destinations targeted in next decade |
Table of Contents
What Is the UDAN Scheme?
The Government of India launched the UDAN scheme on October 21, 2016, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016. The Ministry of Civil Aviation implements it.
The full form of UDAN is Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik, which translates to “Let the common citizen of the country fly.” People also call it UDAN Yojana or the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). It is often referred to informally as the Hawai Chappal Yojana because PM Modi said even a person wearing hawai chappals should be able to afford a flight.
Key goal: Connect unserved and underserved airports in smaller Indian cities to major hubs using capped, affordable airfares supported by government subsidies.
Before UDAN launched, out of 486 airports in India, only 27 were well-served. The UDAN scheme directly addresses that gap. The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
What Does ‘Unserved’ and ‘Underserved’ Mean?
An unserved airport is one with no scheduled commercial flights at all. An underserved airport gets fewer than seven scheduled flights per week. The UDAN scheme targets both categories to ensure that small-city residents gain real flight options.
How the UDAN Scheme Works
The UDAN scheme uses a market-driven, subsidy-backed model. Here is how the system functions step by step.
Step 1: Airlines Bid for Routes
The Ministry of Civil Aviation invites airlines to bid for regional routes. Airlines submit proposals to fly specific city-pair routes. They bid based on how much Viability Gap Funding (VGF) they need to operate the route profitably.
Step 2: Government Provides VGF Subsidy
Airlines that win routes receive VGF, which is direct financial support from the central and state governments. As of 2025, the government has disbursed over ₹4,023 crore in VGF since the scheme started. Airlines that agree to operate with zero VGF receive priority in bidding.
Step 3: Fare Caps Protect Passengers
Every UDAN flight must cap at least 50% of its seats at the government-fixed price:
| Route Distance / Duration | Capped UDAN Fare |
| Up to 500 km / ~1 hour | ₹2,500 per seat |
| 500–800 km / ~1.5 hours | ₹3,500 per seat |
| 800–1,200 km | ₹4,500 per seat |
| Helicopter routes (30 min) | ₹2,500 per seat |
Step 4: Cost Concessions at Airports
Airport operators waive landing and parking charges for UDAN flights. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) exempts Terminal Navigation Landing Charges and reduces Route Navigation Facilitation Charges. State governments reduce VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 1% or less for ten years. The central government caps excise duty on ATF at 2% for the first three years.
UDAN Yojana Phases 1.0 to 5.5
The UDAN Yojana has evolved through multiple rounds since 2016. Each phase expanded scope, added new routes, and addressed previous gaps.
[UDAN 1.0 — 2017] Launched with 128 routes across 70 airports. Operationalized 36 brand-new airports. Five airlines received licences: Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Air Deccan, Air Odisha, and TruJet.
[UDAN 2.0 — 2018] Expanded to 73 unserved and underserved airports. Introduced helicopter connectivity for hilly regions.
[UDAN 3.0 — 2019] Added tourism-specific routes and seaplane operations. Increased focus on connecting the Northeast region.
[UDAN 4.0 — 2020] Prioritized remote, hilly, and island connectivity. Added helicopter and seaplane routes. India’s first seaplane service (SpiceJet) launched in October 2020 between Sabarmati Riverfront and Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
[UDAN 5.0–5.4 — 2022-2023] Allowed larger aircraft, removed distance restrictions, and fast-tracked route operationalization. Added more Northeast and tribal region routes.
[UDAN 5.5 — 2024] Invited bids for over 50 water bodies for seaplane operations. Launched new seaplane guidelines on August 22, 2024. Introduced UDAN Yatri Cafes at Kolkata and Chennai airports for affordable food.
[Modified UDAN — 2026-2036] Union Cabinet approved ₹28,840 crore outlay. Targets 120 new destinations, 4 crore more passengers, and 100 new airports from existing airstrips.
List of Airports Connected Under the UDAN Scheme
The UDAN scheme has operationalized 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes as of February 2026. India’s airport network grew from 74 airports in 2014 to 159 airports by 2024 largely because of this scheme. The table below lists key airports connected through UDAN across different states.
For the complete, live list, visit aai.aero/en/rcs-udan.
| Airport / City | State | Notable UDAN Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Darbhanga Airport | Bihar | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata |
| Shimla Airport | Himachal Pradesh | Delhi (first-ever UDAN flight, 2017) |
| Shivamogga Airport | Karnataka | Chennai, Hyderabad |
| Belagavi Airport | Karnataka | Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru |
| Kalaburagi Airport | Karnataka | Bengaluru, Hyderabad |
| Jharsuguda Airport | Odisha | Kolkata, Raipur, Bhubaneswar |
| Deoghar Airport | Jharkhand | Delhi, Kolkata, Patna |
| Rupsi Airport | Assam | Guwahati, Kolkata |
| Lilabari Airport | Assam | Guwahati, Kolkata |
| Dibrugarh Airport | Assam | Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi |
| Silchar Airport | Assam | Guwahati, Imphal, Kolkata |
| Agartala MBB Airport | Tripura | Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal |
| Imphal Airport | Manipur | Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi |
| Lengpui Airport | Mizoram | Guwahati, Kolkata |
| Shillong Airport | Meghalaya | Guwahati, Kolkata |
| Dimapur Airport | Nagaland | Guwahati, Kolkata |
| Pakyong Airport | Sikkim | Kolkata, Guwahati |
| Ludhiana Airport | Punjab | Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad |
| Adampur Airport | Punjab | Delhi, Mumbai |
| Bhatinda Airport | Punjab | Delhi |
| Pathankot Airport | Punjab | Delhi, Jammu |
| Kullu-Manali Airport | Himachal Pradesh | Delhi, Chandigarh |
| Kangra (Dharamshala) Airport | Himachal Pradesh | Delhi, Chandigarh |
| Hindon Airport | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Varanasi, Pithoragarh |
| Gorakhpur Airport | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
| Varanasi Airport | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai |
| Allahabad Airport | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow |
| Agra Airport | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi, Lucknow |
| Kishangarh Airport | Rajasthan | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru |
| Bikaner Airport | Rajasthan | Delhi, Jaipur |
| Jaisalmer Airport | Rajasthan | Delhi, Jaipur |
| Kota Airport | Rajasthan | Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai |
| Rewa Airport | Madhya Pradesh | Delhi, Raipur, Jabalpur |
| Gwalior Airport | Madhya Pradesh | Delhi, Mumbai |
| Jabalpur Airport | Madhya Pradesh | Delhi, Mumbai, Raipur |
| Surguja Airport (Ambikapur) | Chhattisgarh | Raipur, Jagdalpur, Delhi |
| Jagdalpur Airport | Chhattisgarh | Raipur, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam |
| Bilaspur Airport | Chhattisgarh | Delhi, Mumbai |
| Ranchi Airport | Jharkhand | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna |
| Daltonganj Airport | Jharkhand | Ranchi, Kolkata |
| Deesa Airport | Gujarat | Ahmedabad |
| Porbandar Airport | Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Mumbai |
| Bhavnagar Airport | Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Mumbai |
| Keshod Airport | Gujarat | Mumbai, Ahmedabad |
| Kandla Airport | Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Mumbai |
| Jamnagar Airport | Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Mumbai |
| Nanded Airport | Maharashtra | Mumbai, Hyderabad, Nagpur |
| Kolhapur Airport | Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad |
| Nashik Airport | Maharashtra | Mumbai, Hyderabad |
| Aurangabad Airport | Maharashtra | Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad |
| Visakhapatnam Airport | Andhra Pradesh | Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai |
| Kadapa Airport | Andhra Pradesh | Hyderabad, Chennai |
| Kurnool Airport | Andhra Pradesh | Hyderabad, Chennai |
| Tirupati Airport | Andhra Pradesh | Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai |
| Madurai Airport | Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad |
| Tuticorin Airport | Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Mumbai |
| Salem Airport | Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Mysuru Airport | Karnataka | Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai |
| Hubballi Airport | Karnataka | Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai |
| Mangaluru Airport | Karnataka | Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad |
| Kannur Airport | Kerala | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad |
| Calicut (Kozhikode) Airport | Kerala | Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi |
| Coimbatore Airport | Tamil Nadu | Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru |
| Port Blair Airport | Andaman & Nicobar | Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi |
| Agatti Island Airport | Lakshadweep | Kochi, Bengaluru |
| Dehra Dun (Jolly Grant) Airport | Uttarakhand | Delhi, Mumbai |
| Pithoragarh Airport | Uttarakhand | Delhi (helicopter) |
| Saharanpur Airport | Uttar Pradesh | Delhi, Lucknow |
| Sabarmati Riverfront Water Aerodrome | Gujarat | Statue of Unity (Kevadia) – Seaplane |
Tip: Check the latest UDAN route map at udaan.gov.in or on the AAI website at aai.aero/en/rcs-udan. Routes change as new bidding rounds open and close.
Which Airlines Fly UDAN Routes?
Multiple carriers operate under the UDAN scheme. Some use full government VGF support; others, like IndiGo and SpiceJet in earlier rounds, bid with zero VGF while still gaining coveted airport slots. Here is the current picture of airlines that participate in the subsidized regional flight network.
| Airline | Type | UDAN Role |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | Full-service LCC | Largest number of UDAN flights (~26% of total). Operates with zero VGF on most routes. |
| SpiceJet | Low-cost carrier | Operates ~23.5% of UDAN flights. Launched India’s first seaplane route (2020). |
| Alliance Air | Regional carrier | Second-highest flight count (~24%). Received the largest share of VGF funding. |
| Star Air | Regional carrier | Operates Embraer aircraft on Tier-2 and Tier-3 routes across India. |
| Fly91 | Regional carrier | Focuses on Goa and western India regional routes. Uses ATR aircraft. |
| IndiaOne Air | Regional carrier | Newer operator focusing on Northeast and underserved routes. |
| TruJet | Regional carrier | Operated early UDAN phases with about 13% of total flights (ATR aircraft). |
| Air Odisha | Regional carrier | Inaugural phase airline. Focused on Odisha and East India routes. |
| Ghodawat Aviation | Regional carrier | About 6% of UDAN flights in early rounds. Maharashtra-focused routes. |
| Akasa Air | Low-cost carrier | Newer entrant expanding into regional connectivity routes. |
How to Book a Low-Cost Flight Ticket Under the UDAN Scheme
Booking a UDAN flight follows the same process as booking any domestic flight. You do not need to apply separately or prove any eligibility. Just look for the capped fare while booking.
UDAN Scheme – Step-by-Step Booking Guide
Step 1: Check Available UDAN Routes
Visit udaan.gov.in or aai.aero/en/rcs-udan to see active routes and airports under the scheme. You can also check airline websites like indigo.in and spicejet.com, which clearly mark UDAN flights in their search results.
Step 2: Search on Any Travel Platform
Use airline websites directly (indigo.in, spicejet.com) or travel apps like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, Paytm Travel, or Goibibo. Enter your departure city and destination. For UDAN routes, the capped-fare seats will appear in the search results.
Step 3: Identify UDAN Flights
Look for flights labeled as “RCS-UDAN” or “Regional Connectivity Scheme.” These show the government-capped fare. Not all seats on the flight are capped; airlines must reserve at least 50% of seats at the subsidized rate.
Step 4: Complete Payment
Pay using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. You get a confirmation SMS and email with your PNR. No special documentation is needed at the airport beyond your standard ID proof.
Pro tip for The Current India readers: Book UDAN seats as early as possible. Capped-fare seats fill up fast, especially on popular routes like Darbhanga-Mumbai or Shivamogga-Hyderabad. Remaining seats on the same flight may sell at market rates.
Data-Backed Impact of the UDAN Scheme
The numbers tell a clear story. Here is what official government data and independent research show about the UDAN scheme’s real-world impact.
Passenger Growth
The scheme carried over 1.62 crore passengers on 3.41 lakh+ flights across 663 routes as of February 2026. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the 2025-26 Union Budget speech, stated that UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class citizens to meet their aspirations for faster travel.
Airport Expansion
India’s operational airport network grew from 74 airports in 2014 to 159 airports in 2024, a 115% increase. UDAN directly drove most of that growth by reviving unused airstrips and funding new greenfield airports.
VGF Disbursement by Airline (Historical Data)
| Airline | Share of Total UDAN Flights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | ~26% | Zero-VGF bidder; largest flight count |
| Alliance Air | ~24% | Received over 60% of total VGF disbursed |
| SpiceJet | ~23.5% | Zero-VGF bidder on many routes |
| TruJet | ~13% | ATR-based regional operator |
| Ghodawat Aviation | ~6% | Maharashtra-focused |
| All others (8 airlines) | ~7% | Combined |
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation RTI data, as reported by Factly/Dataful.
Top UDAN Routes by Flight Frequency
| Route | Flights Operated |
|---|---|
| Belagavi (Karnataka) — Hyderabad (Telangana) | 2,500+ |
| Kolkata (West Bengal) — Jharsuguda (Odisha) | 2,100+ |
| Bengaluru (Karnataka) — Kalaburagi (Karnataka) | 2,000+ |
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation, RTI data via Factly.
Economic and Social Impact
The Economic Survey 2024-25 noted that better air connectivity through UDAN significantly boosted domestic air travel and confirmed India as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. Key benefits include:
- Tourism: Remote destinations now attract visitors who previously had no direct flight option.
- Healthcare: Faster air access improves emergency response in hilly and tribal districts.
- Trade: The Krishi UDAN Scheme (a related program) now covers 58 airports and uses air cargo to move agricultural produce from Northeast, tribal, and hilly regions to markets.
- Job creation: New airports create ground staff, handling, hospitality, and logistics jobs in small cities.
Modified UDAN Scheme (2026-2036): What Changes?
The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme in early 2026 with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore for the next ten years. This is the most ambitious phase yet.
Key Highlights of the Modified Scheme
- 100 new airports to be developed from existing unserved airstrips with a ₹12,159 crore CAPEX outlay.
- 120 new destinations added to the UDAN network.
- 4 crore additional passengers targeted over the decade.
- “Challenge mode” approach for airport development, inviting competitive proposals from states.
- O&M support for three years capped at ₹3.06 crore per airport and ₹0.90 crore per heliport.
- Priority for helipads in Northeast, hilly, and island regions to improve last-mile connectivity.
- Addresses the problem of routes becoming non-operational after VGF withdrawal by building longer-term sustainability.
The AAI and private airport developers have already committed a combined capital expenditure plan of over ₹91,000 crore between FY20 and FY25, with about 91% of that amount utilized as of November 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UDAN Scheme
The Current India answers the most common questions people search for about the UDAN Yojana and regional air travel in India.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying under the UDAN scheme?
Any Indian citizen can buy a ticket on a UDAN route. There are no personal eligibility requirements for passengers. You do not need to apply or register anywhere. Simply book a ticket on a route marked as RCS-UDAN through any airline or travel platform. For airlines, eligibility requires winning a route through the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s competitive bidding process and agreeing to cap at least 50% of seats at the government-fixed fare.
What is the purpose of the regional air connectivity program?
The UDAN scheme aims to democratize air travel by making flights affordable for common citizens in smaller Indian cities. Before the scheme, most Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities had no scheduled air service. The program revives unused airports, subsidizes airline operations on thin routes, and caps ticket prices so that ordinary passengers can fly without paying premium fares.
How do I check available flight routes under the UDAN scheme?
Visit Ministry of Civil Aviation to see the official list of active UDAN routes and airports. You can also check the AAI website at aai.aero/en/rcs-udan. Airline websites like indigo.in and spicejet.com clearly mark UDAN flights. Travel portals like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip also display RCS-UDAN labeled flights.
How does the government initiative make air travel affordable in smaller cities?
The government uses three main tools: First, it provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) directly to airlines to cover the cost gap on low-traffic routes. Second, it instructs airport operators to waive landing and parking charges for UDAN flights and reduces fuel taxes at regional airports. Third, it sets a mandatory fare cap so airlines must offer at least half their seats at subsidized rates.
Which airlines operate flights subsidized by the UDAN scheme?
As of 2025, airlines participating in the UDAN scheme include IndiGo, SpiceJet, Star Air, Fly91, IndiaOne Air, Alliance Air, Akasa Air, and TruJet. IndiGo and SpiceJet hold the highest flight counts. Smaller regional carriers like Star Air, Fly91, and IndiaOne Air focus primarily on UDAN routes as their core business.
Which air carriers participate in the subsidized regional flight network?
The subsidized regional flight network under UDAN includes both large national carriers and dedicated regional operators. National carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet participate primarily to gain airport slots in congested Tier-1 cities as a strategic benefit. Regional carriers like Star Air (Embraer jets), Fly91 (ATR aircraft), IndiaOne Air, and earlier Alliance Air and TruJet build their network specifically around UDAN routes.
How do I book a low-cost flight ticket under the UDAN scheme?
Go to any airline website (indigo.in, spicejet.com, starair.in) or a travel platform like MakeMyTrip, Paytm Travel, or EaseMyTrip. Search for your route. Flights on UDAN-covered routes will appear with an ‘RCS-UDAN’ label showing the capped fare. Select that flight, enter your details, and pay. You need a valid government photo ID at the airport. No separate registration or UDAN-specific form is required.
When did the first UDAN flight operate?
A: The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural flight, marking the beginning of affordable regional air travel in India
How many years has the UDAN Scheme been running?
The UDAN Scheme completed 8 years on October 21, 2024. The first operational flight under the scheme ran on April 27, 2017, so flight operations have been running for over 8 years as of 2025.
Is the UDAN Scheme still active
Yes, the UDAN Scheme is active and expanding in 2025. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme with a ₹28,840 crore outlay for 2026–2036, targeting 120 new destinations and 4 crore additional passengers over the next decade.
Sources: www.civilaviation.gov.in, https://www.aai.aero/, Economic Survey 2024-25, Factly/Dataful RTI data, DD News
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