By Bikram Vohra
India is soaring to new heights—literally and metaphorically—with its ambitious plans to enhance regional air connectivity. The country has recognized that the skies are not just for the elite but for every citizen who dreams of faster, more efficient travel. By focusing on regional aircraft networks, India is paving the way for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and inclusive development. At the heart of this mission lies the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, a flagship initiative that has transformed the aviation landscape since its launch in 2016. With its revamped version announced in Budget 2025-26, the scheme is set to make an even bigger impact, connecting smaller towns and cities to the national aviation grid. Let’s explore how this vision is shaping up to create a connected and prosperous India.
The UDAN scheme is a revolutionary approach to democratizing air travel. Its primary goal is simple yet powerful: to make flying affordable and accessible for the common citizen. By connecting underserved and unserved airports across the country, the scheme has shattered the notion that flying is an exclusive privilege. Affordable airfares, capped for short-haul flights up to 500 kilometers, have made it possible for people in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to take to the skies. This is not just about convenience; it’s about empowerment, about giving people in smaller towns a chance to participate in the nation’s growth story.
The revamped UDAN scheme announced in the Budget 2025-26 is a bold step forward. With plans to connect 120 new destinations and serve 4 crore passengers, the initiative is aligned with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a developed India by its centenary of independence. This is a monumental task, requiring meticulous planning and execution, but it is also a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusive development. The focus on regional connectivity is not just about transportation; it is about transforming lives and communities.
One of the most striking aspects of the scheme is its emphasis on reviving and developing underutilized or non-operational airports. India is dotted with airstrips and airports that have long been neglected, lying dormant as relics of an earlier era. The UDAN scheme breathes new life into these facilities, turning them into hubs of activity and growth. This is not just about planes taking off and landing; it’s about creating jobs, boosting local economies, and fostering regional development. An airport in a small town can become a catalyst for change, attracting businesses, tourism, and investment, and transforming the region into an economic hub.
The incentives provided under the UDAN scheme are another key factor driving its success. Airlines operating on regional routes receive financial support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF), which helps offset initial losses on routes that may not be immediately profitable. This is a smart move, as it ensures that airlines are encouraged to explore new routes and destinations. Over time, as these routes become more popular and profitable, the entire ecosystem benefits. Meanwhile, passengers enjoy affordable fares, and regions previously cut off from air connectivity are brought into the fold of progress.
The focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is particularly noteworthy. India’s smaller cities and towns are often overlooked in favor of its metropolitan centers, but they are brimming with potential. By connecting these regions to major hubs, the UDAN scheme is fostering economic growth where it is needed most. Businesses in these areas can now access larger markets, students can travel to educational institutions more easily, and families can stay connected despite geographical distances. The social and economic impact of this connectivity cannot be overstated.
Since its inception, the UDAN scheme has already achieved remarkable milestones. It has connected 88 airports and ports and activated 619 routes, significantly boosting regional air travel. But the journey is far from over. The government’s renewed focus on regional connectivity, as evidenced by the 2025-26 budget, shows that this is just the beginning. The vision is clear: to create a seamless network of regional air travel that benefits every corner of the country.
PM Modi’s Vision for Aviation: Soaring to New Heights!
India’s aviation sector is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by the ambitious vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the Airports Authority of India (AAI) managing an impressive network of 137 airports, including 24 international hubs and 103 domestic airports, the nation is poised to become a global leader in air connectivity. PM Modi’s vision is being realized in spades, as India’s skies open up to new opportunities and regional connectivity takes center stage.
Recognizing the growing demand for short-haul routes, India is embracing smaller aircraft, such as turboprops and regional jets, to connect underserved areas. Indigenous innovation is at the forefront, with projects like the SARAS program by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) aiming to develop a 19-seater regional aircraft. Simultaneously, airlines are expanding their fleets with regional aircraft like the ATRs, Bombardier Q400, and Embraer E-Jets, ensuring that no corner of the country remains inaccessible. With favorable leasing and financing options, the government is empowering airlines to make regional connectivity a reality.
A game-changer in this journey is the development of No-Frills Airports, which embody the spirit of mass transit. These cost-effective airports, equipped with basic infrastructure, make regional flights feasible while keeping passenger fares affordable. The swiftness of movement and the convenience of multiple daily flights are transforming the way Indians travel. Moreover, the government’s UDAN scheme is taking connectivity to the next level by introducing seaplanes and amphibian fleets to remote and coastal areas. Imagine flying in a Cessna Caravan or Seastar to regions where traditional airports are impossible to construct – the possibilities are endless!
But the vision doesn’t stop at passenger travel. India is also leveraging regional air networks to boost cargo and logistics connectivity. From transporting perishable goods to delivering e-commerce parcels, regional aviation is becoming the backbone of India’s growing economy. Cutting-edge technology, like e-gateways for seamless airport processes and drones for last-mile delivery, is ensuring that this network operates with maximum efficiency.
What’s more, the government is fostering partnerships between big airlines and regional carriers, creating a seamless network that benefits everyone. Giants like IndiGo and SpiceJet are stepping up with dedicated regional subsidiaries, ensuring that even the smallest markets are connected to the broader aviation ecosystem.
The aviation industry in India is taking flight like never before, with winds of opportunity and innovation propelling it to global prominence. Once seen as an emerging player in the skies, India is now firmly establishing itself as a major force on the global aviation stage. The nation’s commitment to regional connectivity and sustainable development is creating a ripple effect that extends beyond just economic growth; it showcases India’s ability to lead, adapt, and innovate in an ever-changing world. Things are certainly looking up in Indian aviation, and the future is brimming with possibilities.
India’s Rise on the Global Stage
India’s aviation sector is no longer just a domestic affair. With one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, a burgeoning middle class, and increased air travel demand, India has become a key player in international aviation. However, its ambitions do not stop at global recognition; it aims to create a robust regional foundation within the country itself. This network of regional air routes connects the interiors of India to urban centers, opening up endless opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. A strong regional base is not just an internal asset for the nation—it also amplifies India’s presence on the world stage, transforming it into a hub for seamless connectivity and innovation in aviation.
Sustainability Takes the Pilot’s Seat
The Indian government’s vision for an environmentally sustainable aviation sector is as impressive as it is necessary in today’s climate-conscious world. By promoting the use of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, India is pushing airlines to adapt and innovate. Turboprop aircraft, which are perfect for short-haul regional routes, combine efficiency with cost-effectiveness. This transition ensures that regional connectivity isn’t achieved at the cost of environmental degradation.
Moreover, India’s push for green airports is worthy of applause. The integration of solar power, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient technologies at airports goes beyond ticking the sustainability box—it cements India’s aviation sector as a global leader in eco-conscious development. Airports are evolving not just as gateways for passengers but as symbols of India’s commitment to the planet. Sustainability is no longer a luxury; in India’s aviation industry, it’s a guiding principle.
The Challenges in the Runway
Despite these soaring ambitions, there’s no denying that there are challenges ahead that need to be tackled systematically. Many regional airports are still grappling with a lack of adequate infrastructure, which hampers operational efficiency. While the government’s regional connectivity schemes, such as UDAN (“Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik”), aim to bridge these gaps, the pace of development needs to match the increasing aspirations of the industry.
Airlines operating on regional routes also face difficulties in maintaining profitability. These routes, though critical for connectivity, often have lower passenger volumes, making it harder for companies to manage costs and sustain operations. Additionally, regulatory and bureaucratic delays slow down progress, making the journey toward a fully connected India more cumbersome than it should be.
A Blueprint for a Bright Sky
Thankfully, the government isn’t letting these challenges derail its vision. Policy reforms are in the works, aiming to simplify regulations and offer long-term support to airlines and airport operators. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being encouraged, unlocking the potential for private sector innovation and international expertise in airport development and operations. Furthermore, through awareness campaigns, the government is working to familiarize the common citizen with the benefits of regional air travel, boosting demand and helping airlines fill their seats.
It’s also crucial to ensure that investments are made in the right places, whether that means upgrading infrastructure, planning airports strategically, or expanding talent pools for air traffic control. Importantly, safety and security must remain a priority as the skies above India get busier. A well-planned, properly implemented strategy can convert today’s challenges into tomorrow’s milestones.
Blue Skies Ahead for Indian Aviation
While there is still a lot to accomplish, the signs are overwhelmingly positive for India’s aviation industry. The progress made in regional air networks, sustainable development, and policy reforms has laid a strong foundation for continued growth. India is positioning itself not just as a regional leader but also as a global trailblazer in aviation. The boost to regional air travel will not only enhance economic activity within the country but also project India’s leadership on the global stage.
As Indian aspirations soar higher, so do its planes. This tale of regional connectivity and environmental responsibility is one worth celebrating, even as we acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. For now, let us revel in the good news and dream of the endless possibilities waiting beyond the horizon—a future where the skies belong to India.
Bikram Vohra is the Consulting Editor of Indian Aerospace & Defence.
