Gujarat has strengthened regional air connectivity with eight operational airports and water aerodromes under the Udan scheme, now serving 69 active routes. The initiative, aimed at expanding air services to underserved regions, has linked key urban and tier-II destinations, providing a boost to sustainable regional mobility and economic growth. Aviation officials emphasise that this network is vital for improving accessibility while reducing travel time and carbon footprint.
Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the operationalised airports include Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod, and the water aerodromes at the Sabarmati riverfront and the Statue of Unity. These hubs have been integrated into a growing domestic network, allowing airlines to efficiently serve both state and inter-state routes. Airlines operating under Udan, such as SpiceJet, Indigo, Alliance Air, and Ghodawat Aviation, have been deploying flights since 2017, connecting regional centres like Ahmedabad–Jamnagar, Surat–Diu, and Keshod–Mumbai. The water aerodromes are facilitating innovative seaplane services, linking the Sabarmati riverfront with the Statue of Unity, demonstrating a shift towards eco-friendly and versatile aviation solutions.
Experts highlight that Udan, formally launched in 2016 as Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik, remains a market-driven scheme where airlines bid for routes based on demand forecasts, with government financial support making previously unviable routes economically sustainable. By promoting tier-II and tier-III air connectivity, the initiative also contributes to regional socio-economic development, enabling faster travel for business, tourism, and emergency services. The Ministry has stressed that the scheme’s expansion aligns with sustainable mobility objectives. By encouraging airline operations on shorter routes and promoting seaplane services, Udan helps reduce reliance on road transport, thus lowering vehicle emissions and enhancing the state’s green transport initiatives. Aviation officials further noted that the inclusion of water aerodromes and flexible route planning reflects a commitment to gender-neutral, equitable transport solutions that serve citizens across rural and urban landscapes.
Plans for continued expansion are underway, with officials targeting additional airports and routes in Gujarat and beyond. Periodic bidding rounds ensure that the scheme adapts to demand patterns while maintaining operational efficiency. These measures are intended to foster long-term growth in passenger and cargo mobility while supporting India’s broader regional connectivity and sustainable development objectives. The Udan-enabled infrastructure now forms an essential backbone for Gujarat’s aviation sector, connecting economic hubs, tourist destinations, and remote communities alike. Analysts say that sustained investment and route optimisation will further improve accessibility and contribute to a low-carbon, integrated regional transport ecosystem.
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