The civil aviation ministry is spearheading an ambitious overhaul of the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN, aimed at revolutionizing India’s aviation sector. The proposed expansion seeks to dismantle entry barriers and slash operational costs to entice new entrants into the market, heralding a new era of accessibility and affordability in air travel.
Under the proposed scheme, fresh categories such as seaplanes, small aircraft, and helicopters will be integrated, diversifying the scope of regional aviation. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of low-cost regional airports to facilitate seamless connectivity across the country. Sources within the ministry have indicated that the final blueprint of the scheme will be unveiled following the assumption of office by the new government next month. Key impediments such as aircraft availability, exorbitant financing costs, and stringent regulatory norms will be addressed to foster a conducive environment for prospective players.
Furthermore, the revamped scheme will streamline entry criteria for operators of small aircraft in the 9-20 seater category, paving the way for enhanced participation in regional aviation. Distinct categories such as ‘1A’ and ‘Category 1’ will delineate passenger capacity, ensuring clarity and coherence in operational standards. To augment seaplane operations, fractional ownership models will be promoted, while a dedicated cell will be established to catalyze helicopter services in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. Additionally, the scheme envisages the phased development of regional hub airports to bolster connectivity infrastructure nationwide.
Central to the initiative is the imperative to curtail operational expenses associated with regional airports. Presently, the average operational cost of a small, regional airport stands between Rs 7 to Rs 10 crore. The scheme aims to implement cost-reduction measures, thereby enabling airlines to offer more competitive fares and bolstering accessibility for passengers. Launched in 2016, the UDAN scheme has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s regional aviation strategy, facilitating the travel of nearly 30 million passengers to date. With approximately 150 airports, including eight heliports, operationalized under the scheme, the forthcoming reforms are poised to catalyze exponential growth in regional air connectivity, propelling India towards greater aviation accessibility and inclusivity.
