UDAN, short for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, is a regional air connectivity scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It aims to make flying affordable for common people and to connect smaller cities and towns. Here is how it works.
Background
UDAN was launched in October 2016 as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016. The first UDAN flight was flagged off on 27 April 2017 on the Shimla to Delhi route.
How it works
Under UDAN, airlines bid for routes that connect unserved or underserved airports, heliports and water aerodromes. The scheme makes these routes viable through:
- **Viability Gap Funding (VGF):** the Centre and states share a subsidy paid to airlines, so they can keep fares low.
- **Capped fares:** a portion of seats on each UDAN flight is offered at capped fares.
- **Concessions:** airport charges, taxes and fuel duty concessions from the Centre, states and airport operators.
The Airports Authority of India is the implementing agency. Airlines get exclusive rights on awarded routes for a set period.
Types of routes
- Flights between small airports and major cities
- Helicopter services to hilly and remote areas
- Seaplane services in some locations
- Special routes for tourism, the northeast, islands and hill states, through different versions of UDAN such as Krishi UDAN for farm produce and international UDAN from the northeast
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Progress
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, hundreds of UDAN routes have been started, connecting many airports, heliports and water aerodromes, and over a crore passengers have flown on UDAN flights. In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government announced a modified UDAN scheme to connect 120 new destinations over the next ten years.
How to book an UDAN flight
- Check if your route is under UDAN on the Ministry or airline websites.
- Book through the airline’s website, app or travel portals like any other flight.
- UDAN capped fare seats are limited and get sold quickly, so book early.
There is no separate application for passengers.
Benefits
- Faster travel from small towns to big cities
- Boost to tourism, trade and medical travel
- Better connectivity for hilly, remote and northeastern regions
- Revival of unused airstrips
Challenges
Some routes have been discontinued because of low demand or airline issues. The government continues to bid out new routes and revise the scheme.
Bottom line
UDAN has brought air travel to many smaller cities. Check whether your town has an UDAN flight and book early to get the capped fare.
Source / स्रोत: Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India
