The Ambitious Dream of UDAN
Launched in 2016, the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme was a revolutionary idea. Its goal was to make air travel accessible and affordable, connecting unserved and underserved airports across the country. By reviving dormant airstrips and offering
financial incentives to airlines, the government aimed to boost tourism, trade, and economic growth in remote areas. The core promise was simple: a one-hour flight on a regional route would be capped at around ₹2,500 for a set number of seats, making flying a viable option for millions. Since its inception, the scheme has enabled over 16.6 million passenger journeys and operationalised hundreds of new routes, bringing air connectivity to places like Darbhanga in Bihar and Jharsuguda in Odisha for the first time.
Why So Many Routes Are Grounded
Despite its successes, the scheme has hit significant turbulence. As of early 2026, roughly half of the routes launched under UDAN have been discontinued. According to government data, of the 669 routes made operational, only 336 were active. There are several reasons for this. The primary challenge is economic viability. Airlines receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF), a form of subsidy, for only three years on a given route. Once this period ends, many routes with low passenger numbers become commercially unsustainable for airlines operating on thin margins. Other major hurdles include the poor financial health of smaller regional carriers, delays in making airports fully ready for operations, a lack of slots at major metro airports, and competition from improved rail networks like the Vande Bharat Express.
The State of Affordable Fares
The phrase "affordable fares" is at the heart of UDAN, but the reality is nuanced. On the active UDAN routes, the fare cap on a percentage of seats still applies, which is a significant win for consumers. However, with so many routes discontinued, the overall availability of these subsidised tickets has shrunk dramatically. Airlines are only obligated to cap fares on a portion of the seats for the duration of the three-year subsidy period. After that, they are free to price tickets based on market demand. This means that even on routes that continue to operate post-subsidy, like at Karnataka's Bidar and Kalaburagi airports before services were halted, the promise of a consistent low fare can disappear. So, while the scheme has introduced the concept of affordable flying, its reach is far more limited than originally envisioned.
A New Flight Plan: Viksit UDAN
Recognising these challenges, the government has launched a revamped version of the scheme called Viksit UDAN in July 2026. With a massive outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next decade, this new phase aims to address the shortcomings of the original programme. Key changes include a much stronger emphasis on building robust airport infrastructure, including 100 new aerodromes and 200 modern helipads. It also aims to provide better support for regional airlines to make operations more sustainable. The goal is to strengthen last-mile connectivity and enable 40 million additional passenger journeys over the next decade, keeping the vision of aviation-led growth for a 'Viksit Bharat' alive.
Your Pre-Flight Checklist
Given the dynamic situation, here’s how to navigate booking regional flights. First, always verify the flight's operational status directly with the airline, as routes can be discontinued with little notice. Be cautious when booking tickets far in advance on newly announced UDAN routes, as not all awarded routes actually commence operations. Second, have a backup travel plan, especially if your destination is remote. Improved train and road networks can sometimes be more reliable alternatives. Finally, understand the fare structure. Just because an airport is on the UDAN network doesn't mean every flight or every seat is subsidised. Check the terms and conditions to see if you are booking a capped-fare seat or a market-rate one. A little diligence can save you from significant travel disruptions.
