The Big Picture: What is the 100-Airport Plan?
The “100-Airport Plan” is the next phase of a massive, ongoing government initiative called UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik, or 'Let the Common Citizen Fly'). Launched in 2016, the scheme's goal is to make flying affordable and connect smaller, underserved
towns to the national aviation map. In September 2026, the Civil Aviation Minister announced plans to invest approximately ₹30,000 crore over the next decade to build 100 new airports, significantly expanding on the progress already made. The number of operational airports in India has already surged from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 2026, with the new plan set to accelerate this growth. This initiative, officially called the Modified UDAN scheme, will run from 2026 to 2036 and focuses on developing new airports from existing airstrips, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, remote Himalayan regions, and islands.
New Destinations on Your Travel Map
The most significant benefit for travellers is the emergence of new destinations. The UDAN scheme has already added places like Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), Rourkela (Odisha), and Diu to the flight map, which were previously accessible mainly by long road or train journeys. The next phase aims to bring air connectivity to even more remote locations. For travellers, this opens up a host of new possibilities for tourism and business. Imagine flying directly to a remote hill station for a weekend getaway or reaching a pilgrimage site in a fraction of the time it used to take. The government is also promoting a 'hub-and-spoke' model, connecting these new regional airports to major international gateways like Delhi and Ahmedabad, which should make international travel from smaller cities more seamless.
Will Flying Actually Get Cheaper?
One of the headline promises of the UDAN scheme is affordable fares, with a well-known (but often misunderstood) cap of around ₹2,500 for a one-hour flight on certain routes. This is made possible through Viability Gap Funding (VGF), where the government subsidises airlines to cover losses on these less-profitable routes. However, it's crucial for travellers to understand that this cap doesn't apply to all seats on all flights. Typically, only about 50% of the seats on a designated UDAN flight are sold at the subsidised rate, and these tend to sell out quickly. The remaining seats are priced based on market demand. So, while incredible deals exist, you need to book early and be flexible. The scheme has undeniably made flying more accessible, but it hasn't made every flight cheap.
The Reality Check: 'Ghost Airports' and Cancelled Routes
While the ambition is impressive, the execution has faced significant hurdles. A key concern for travellers is the sustainability of these new routes. An audit in 2023 found that over half of the routes awarded in the scheme's initial phases never even started operations. Many others were discontinued after the initial three-year subsidy period ended, often due to low passenger demand, aircraft shortages, or operational issues. This has led to the problem of underutilised or 'ghost' airports — infrastructure that is built but sees few or no flights, like the one in Azamgarh which saw services suspended due to a lack of passengers. For travellers, this means a booked flight on a new route isn't always a guarantee. Airlines can and do pull out, making it essential to have a backup plan.
How to Plan Your Trip on New Routes
Given the dynamic nature of the UDAN scheme, smart planning is key. First, book as early as possible to snag the limited subsidised seats. Second, check schedules frequently. Routes and flight times can change as airlines adjust to demand. Third, be wary of booking connections with very tight layovers, especially when flying from a newly operational regional airport, as schedules can be less predictable. Finally, when booking a trip to a new destination, consider the possibility of flight cancellations. Have an alternative mode of transport, like a train or bus route, in mind. Using flight search tools can help you find these new routes, as they often appear simply as the lowest fare option without being explicitly labelled 'UDAN'.
