Archive · 9 Jan 2026
India Spends ₹900 Crore on Non-Operational UDAN Airports
The Indian government has spent a lot of money, about ₹900 crore, on 15 small airports that aren't being used.
These airports were built to help people travel to and from smaller towns, but many of them aren't working because there aren't enough flights or people using them.
The government has been giving money to keep these airports running, but it's not always working out.
Some experts say that without enough people wanting to fly, these airports can't make money.
There are also problems like bad weather and not enough planes.
Some people think that if the right airlines come in and make good plans, these airports could still be useful.
India has spent ₹900 crore on 15 non-operational regional airports under the UDAN scheme.
These airports were built to improve connectivity in interior areas but face issues with commercial viability.
The government has invested ₹4,638 crore in airport development under the UDAN scheme.
Seven of the non-operational airports were inaugurated in 2024, with Uttar Pradesh being the hardest hit.
Experts warn that regional routes often collapse when government subsidies expire.
- Who
- The Indian government and civil aviation ministry
- What
- Spending ₹900 crore on 15 non-operational regional airports under the UDAN scheme
- When
- From 2017 to 2025
- Where
- Across various states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Sikkim, and Karnataka
- Why
- To connect interior areas by air and improve regional connectivity, but facing issues with commercial viability and maintenance costs
- Total Expense
- ₹900 crore
- Number of Non-Operational Airports
- 15
- Total UDAN Investment
- ₹4,638 crore
- Operational Airports Under UDAN
- 78
- Non-Operational Airports in Uttar Pradesh
- 6
- Most Expensive Non-Operational Airport
- Pakyong (₹605 crore)
- Least Expensive Non-Operational Airport
- Pathankot (₹5.18 crore)
- UDAN Scheme Launch Date
- October 2016