Archive · 29 Jul 2026
UDAN Scheme Sees Slowdown in Aerodrome Operationalisation
The UDAN scheme, which aims to connect regional areas through air travel, has slowed down significantly.
Initially, many airports were opened, but now only a few are being added each year.
The focus has shifted to heliports in hard-to-reach areas.
However, nearly half of the routes started under the scheme have been stopped due to various issues like the pandemic and low passenger demand.
The government has extended support to make the scheme last longer, but critics say it's not working as well as planned.
Only 5 aerodromes operationalised in 2025, down from 18 in 2018.
Shift to heliports for last-mile connectivity in remote regions.
95 aerodromes operationalised since the scheme's launch.
49% of routes under UDAN have been discontinued.
Government extends VGF support to 10 years under UDAN 2.0.
- Who
- Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India
- What
- Slowdown in operationalisation of aerodromes under the UDAN scheme
- When
- 2025 and 2026
- Where
- Across 34 States and Union Territories in India
- Why
- Challenges include terrain constraints, land acquisition, and commercial viability
Government Perspective
Critics' Perspective
Focus on Heliports
Government Perspective
The shift to heliports addresses last-mile connectivity in remote regions, fulfilling the scheme's original goals.
Critics' Perspective
The focus on heliports may divert resources from more commercially viable regional airports.
Route Discontinuations
Government Perspective
Route discontinuations are due to external factors like the pandemic and operational challenges.
Critics' Perspective
High discontinuation rates indicate fundamental flaws in the scheme's viability and planning.
- Total Aerodromes Operationalised
- 95
- Peak Year
- 2018 (18 aerodromes)
- Aerodromes in 2025
- 5
- Heliports in 2026
- 2
- VGF Support Extended To
- 10 years
- Discontinued Routes
- 49%