In a country where the sky often symbolizes hope and aspiration, the dream of flying has remained an elusive luxury for many. This dream began to take shape with the launch of the Regional Connectivity Scheme - UDAN, or ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' on October 21, 2016.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, UDAN aims to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports across India, making air travel affordable for the masses. UDAN stands as a testament to the commitment of the Indian government to improve infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote regions.

The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting the serene hills of Shimla to the bustling metropolis of Delhi. This inaugural flight marked the beginning of a transformative journey in Indian aviation, one that would open up the skies to countless citizens.

UDAN operates on a market-driven model, where airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds. The scheme incentivizes airlines to connect underserved regions by offering them support through Viability Gap Funding and various concessions provided by airport operators, and the Central and State Governments.

The government has implemented several supportive measures to attract airlines to operate flights in less lucrative markets, such as, Airport Operators waiving landing and parking charges for RCS flights, and the Airports Authority of India does not levy Terminal Navigation Landing Charges on these flights. Moreover, a discounted Route Navigation and Facilitation Charge is applied.

For the first three years, excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel purchased at RCS airports was capped at two per cent. Airlines are also encouraged to enter code-sharing agreements to expand their reach.

States have committed to reducing VAT on ATF to one per cent or less for ten years, providing essential services such as security, fire, and utility services at reduced rates.

This collaborative framework has fostered an environment where airlines can thrive while serving regions that have long been overlooked.

The RCS-UDAN scheme has played a pivotal role in revitalising the civil aviation industry in India. Over the past seven years, it has catalysed the emergence of many new and successful airlines. Regional carriers such as Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91 have benefited from the scheme, developing sustainable business models and contributing to a burgeoning ecosystem for regional air travel.

The incremental expansion of the scheme has also generated a rising demand for new aircraft of all sizes, broadening the spectrum of planes deployed on RCS routes. This includes a diverse fleet, featuring the Airbus 320/321, Boeing 737, ATR 42 and 72, DHC Q400, Twin Otter, Embraer 145 and 175, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Dornier 228, Airbus H130, and Bell 407.

Notably, Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft slated for delivery in the next 10-15 years, significantly augmenting the existing fleet of approximately 800 planes.

RCS-UDAN is not solely dedicated to offering last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it also stands as a prominent contributor to the burgeoning tourism sector. Initiatives like UDAN 3.0 have introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast region. At the same time, UDAN 5.1 is focused on expanding helicopter services in hilly areas to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth.

Significant destinations like Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh in Ajmer are now more accessible, catering to the religious tourism segment. Furthermore, the introduction of airports in Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu has spurred growth in the Northeast’s tourism industry. Notably, Agatti Island has also been included in the Indian aviation map, enhancing tourism in Lakshadweep.

From Mundra in Gujarat to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across the country. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized under UDAN, including ten in the Northeast region and two heliports. Airports like Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, and Kannur are becoming increasingly sustainable, with many non-RCS commercial flights operating from these locations.

The Indian aviation landscape has undergone a significant transformation under the UDAN scheme. 601 routes, including helicopter routes, have been operationalized, effectively connecting states and Union Territories. Notably, around 28 per cent of these routes serve the remotest locations, enhancing accessibility across challenging terrains.

The number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047. Domestic air passengers have more than doubled in the past decade, with Indian airlines significantly expanding their fleets.

A total of 86 aerodromes—comprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and two water aerodromes— have been operationalized, facilitating the travel of over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights. Since its inception, fixed-wing operations have cumulatively covered approximately 112 crore kilometres, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the globe around 28,000 times.

UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a movement aimed at empowering every Indian with the gift of flight. Enhancing regional connectivity and ensuring affordability has fulfilled countless citizens' aspirations while stimulating economic growth and job creation. As UDAN continues to evolve, it holds the promise of transforming India's aviation landscape, ensuring that the sky truly is everyone's limit. With its ongoing commitment to connecting underserved regions and promoting tourism, the UDAN scheme remains a game changer for Indian aviation, contributing significantly to India’s vision of a connected and prosperous nation.