UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) – Regional Connectivity Scheme
This profile has been independently compiled from official gazette notifications and verified web domains. Source Authority Link: www.civilaviation.gov.in Authority: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Central) • State/Region: Central Scheme (All India) • Last Audited: 06 Sep 2026
Quick AI Summary
A government initiative to enhance air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions by capping fares and providing viability gap funding to airlines operating on designated regional routes.
Detailed Summary
Overview
The UDAN scheme, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to make air travel affordable and widespread by developing regional airports and encouraging airline operations on routes that lack sufficient commercial viability. Under the scheme, airlines receive viability gap funding (VGF) to operate flights with a fare cap of ₹2,500 per hour of flight, ensuring affordable travel for the general public.
Key Features
- Financial support to airlines through VGF for operating on selected regional routes.
- Fare capping to keep air travel affordable for passengers.
- Focus on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, as well as remote and hilly areas.
- Revival of underutilized airstrips and development of new regional airports.
- Stimulus to regional tourism, trade, and employment generation.
Key Benefits & Financial Assistance
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Eligibility Criteria Profile
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Application Process Guide
- Identify UDAN-enabled routes via airline websites or online travel aggregators.
- Select origin and destination cities that are part of the UDAN network.
- Choose a flight displaying the UDAN fare cap (₹2,500 per hour).
- Complete booking and payment through the airline’s official portal.
- Receive e-ticket confirming the subsidized UDAN fare.
Common FAQs regarding this Yojana
Any Indian citizen traveling on a flight operated under a UDAN-designated regional route is eligible. There are no age, income, caste, or gender restrictions.
The fare is capped at ₹2,500 per hour of flight distance. Airlines receive viability gap funding to cover the difference between operational costs and this capped fare.
The scheme covers unserved and underserved airports, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 town airports, remote airstrips, and newly developed regional airports as listed in the UDAN route network.
No separate application is required. Simply book a flight on a UDAN route through any authorized airline portal; the subsidized fare will be applied automatically.
Yes, the UDAN scheme is currently active and continues to accept bookings on all approved regional routes.