Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Offers Airline Aid for Sindhudurg-Navi Mumbai Flights
Maharashtra wants to start direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Sindhudurg.
Sindhudurg is in the Konkan region and has beaches, forts and tourism destinations.
The state has invited airlines to apply to operate the route.
It will pay financial support for some seats so airlines are less likely to lose money.
The flights would be run under the government’s UDAN regional-connectivity program.
Ticket prices would have maximum proposed fares for the two directions.
Airlines would need to handle passenger services and sell discounted seats first.
They could be fined or lose support if flights are stopped for too long or too few passengers travel.
The plan is intended to improve tourism and commerce in the Konkan region.
Maharashtra is seeking airlines to launch direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Sindhudurg’s Chipi Airport.
The Maharashtra Airport Development Company has issued a request for proposals under the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
The state will provide 100% viability gap funding for specified RCS seats to reduce airlines’ financial risks.
Passenger fares are proposed to be capped at Rs 3,580 from Navi Mumbai to Sindhudurg and Rs 3,735 for the return journey.
Airlines will face penalties or funding reductions for prolonged service disruptions or passenger turnout below 75% over two consecutive months.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Government, through the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd, is seeking commercial airlines to operate the route.
- What
- A proposal is being invited for direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Sindhudurg’s Chipi Airport under UDAN.
- When
- The articles do not specify when the flights will begin; the route is proposed for year-round operation.
- Where
- Between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Sindhudurg Chipi Airport in Maharashtra, a distance of about 374 kilometres one way.
- Why
- To improve regional connectivity and support commerce and tourism in the Konkan region by reducing airlines’ financial risks.
- Scheme
- Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN
- Financial support
- Maharashtra plans to provide 100% viability gap funding for specified RCS seats.
- Proposed fare
- Rs 3,580 from Navi Mumbai to Sindhudurg and Rs 3,735 for the return journey.
- Support cap
- Up to Rs 6,370 per seat.
- Aircraft categories
- Category-2 aircraft with 40 to 80 seats, or Category-3 aircraft with more than 80 seats.
- Performance requirement
- Operators maintaining less than 75% passenger turnout for two consecutive months may face VGF reductions or contract termination.
- Disruption penalty
- A penalty of Rs 1 lakh per operational day may apply if an aircraft remains grounded for more than two consecutive operational days without timely replacement.