



UDAN scheme hits 9-year low in new airport addition; only 4 operationalized this fiscal year
New Delhi: With just a month left in the financial year, India has operationalized only four airports under its regional air connectivity scheme UDAN—the lowest number added in a single fiscal year since the programme began nine years ago.However, the civil aviation ministry denied that there was any loss in momentum in adding UDAN airports.UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was central to the government’s push to expand aviation beyond the large cities and make air travel accessible and affordable for everyone in the country. However, data submitted by the ministry of civil aviation in Parliament show that airport additions under UDAN have declined steadily after peaking early.Airports operationalized this year were those at Amravati in Maharashtra, Purnea in Bihar and Datia and Satna in Madhya Pradesh.
Datia has already turned non-operational after regional airline FlyBig suspended services, underlining the fragility of connectivity on several UDAN routes. Satna found no bidders or operators, according to minister of state for aviation Murlidhar Mohol's response in Parliament.Satna airport was virtually inaugurated on 31 May 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Datia.
However, it was subsequently taken off the UDAN list submitted in Parliament in February.In FY18, 16 airports, including heliports, were connected under UDAN, followed by 18 in FY19. Fourteen airports were inaugurated in FY20.
During the pandemic, nine airports each were operationalized in FY21 and FY22. The pace moderated thereafter, with eight airports added in FY23 and 10 in FY24—the year of the Lok Sabha elections.
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