The Ministry of Civil Aviation in its statement informed that the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has significantly transformed India’s aviation landscape, operating over 2.8 lakh flights and serving 1.43 crore passengers as of August 31, 2024. The UDAN initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity, connecting underserved and unserved areas of the country.
The scheme has launched operations on 583 routes, linking 86 airports, including 13 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. With an allocation of Rs 4,500 crores for airport development under the scheme, Rs 3,751 crores have already been utilised since its inception, reflecting substantial progress in infrastructure development.
15% year-on-year rise in air passengers in India
India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market, with the total number of air passengers handled at Indian airports reaching 37.6 crore in FY24—a year-on-year increase of 15%.
At the core of this growth is the UDAN scheme, which has successfully revived existing airstrips and airports, providing essential air travel access to previously isolated communities and fostering regional economic development.
The ten-year operational plan of UDAN focuses on ensuring equitable access to air travel for all Indians, further contributing to the civil aviation industry’s growth.
Seven years of UDAN and its impact on Indian aviation
In the past seven years, four new airlines have launched operations, benefiting from a supportive ecosystem that encourages sustainable business models. Small regional airlines are finding opportunities to scale up, proving the scheme’s effectiveness in creating a conducive environment for airline operations.
Furthermore, GMR and IndiGo formed a consortium to advance sustainable training in the aerospace sector, while the inauguration of the GMR School of Aviation marks a significant milestone in aviation education. Akasa Air also made headlines with a major deal, ordering 200 aircraft within 17 months, signaling robust growth in the sector.