India has approved a $3 billion investment to significantly expand its aviation sector, including plans to develop 100 new airports and 200 heliports under an extended regional connectivity programme.
The government will continue the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme—launched in 2016—for another 10 years, through fiscal 2035–36. The initiative combines infrastructure funding with subsidies for airlines (viability gap funding) to ensure that regional routes remain commercially sustainable.
Led by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the expansion aims to build on UDAN’s track record, which has already delivered over 660 new routes, nearly 100 airports, and more than 16 million passengers.
The next phase is expected to benefit around 40 million additional travellers while improving access to remote regions and stimulating local economies. The long-term strategy aligns with Narendra Modi’s broader vision to grow India’s airport network to 350–400 airports by 2047, up from 163 in 2025.
Overall, the plan reinforces India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, using connectivity as a driver of economic growth, regional development, and wider access to air travel.
This post was published on 26 March 2026 22:49
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