India’s aviation sector is witnessing a transformative journey through the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which has made flying accessible and affordable across the country. Described as “bright, bold and beautiful” in its inclusiveness, the initiative is redefining connectivity by linking remote towns to major cities, according to a recent report.

The report said India’s aviation vision extends beyond the present, aiming to become a central pillar of the nation’s projected USD 10 trillion economy by 2047. Introduced in 2016, the UDAN scheme has evolved from an experiment in democratising air travel into a cornerstone of national development.

As of now, 649 UDAN routes connect 93 aerodromes, including heliports in the Himalayas and water aerodromes in the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands. More than 15.6 million passengers have flown on 323,000 UDAN flights, turning small towns once known for bus stands or railway crossings into emerging hubs of opportunity.

To sustain the network, the government has disbursed Rs 4.3 billion (USD 500 million) in Viability Gap Funding, helping airlines maintain regional routes while balancing profitability and public service.

The report noted that India’s civil aviation market has grown faster than most global counterparts, placing the country among the top three domestic aviation markets in the world.

“As UDAN celebrates its progress, India’s aviation story continues to climb higher — fuelled by ambition, inclusivity and innovation,” it concluded.