Under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, Lilabari Airport in the Lakhimpur district of Northern Assam has significantly enhanced air connectivity and benefitted local communities. Launched to boost aviation in underserved regions, the airport has played a vital role in improving transportation options, raising the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic growth, especially in the tourism sector.
Vijendra Yadav, Airport Manager and ATC in charge at Lilabari highlighted the positive developments at the airport in a conversation with ANI. “We’ve witnessed a marked increase in passenger numbers, from 33,000 last year to over 39,000 this year. Lilabari Airport has handled more than 1,100 flights in 2024,” Yadav said. He emphasized that the airport’s growing infrastructure, under the UDAN initiative, is transforming regional development by making smaller towns like Lilabari more accessible and promoting economic growth.
Boost to Economy and Tourism
Yadav further explained how the Lilabari Airport has contributed to the region’s economic upliftment and tourism. By offering convenient travel options, the airport has shortened travel times, which has had a positive impact on local tourism. “The terminal’s seating capacity has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of passengers,” he noted. Lilabari’s transformation into a regional hub has boosted local commerce, offering new growth opportunities for businesses in the area.
About the UDAN Scheme
The UDAN scheme, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in October 2016, aims to develop air connectivity in smaller cities with a focus on tier II and tier III towns. The government’s goal is to revive and develop 100 underutilized or unserved airports, helipads, and water aerodromes by 2024. The scheme emphasizes affordable air travel and improved regional connectivity, particularly for remote areas.
The UDAN scheme follows a self-financing model, with viability gap funding provided to selected airline operators. As of now, Rs 2,355 crore has been disbursed to support the operation of UDAN flights. The scheme has successfully made air travel more affordable and accessible to smaller towns like Lilabari, contributing to regional economic growth.
Lilabari Airport continues to serve the region under the UDAN scheme, offering safe and affordable air travel similar to other airports in the North East, while contributing to the overall development of Northern Assam.
(With inputs from ANI)