Ministry of Civil Aviation flags off 6 routes connecting NE under UDAN Scheme

Context

The Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme.

About UDAN Scheme

• Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was introduced as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Public Aviation in 2016.
• The plan aims to improve the regional aviation market.
• The program focuses on providing affordable, efficient and profitable air travel on regional routes to the average person even in small towns.
• The program aims to provide connectivity to unused and unrestricted airports through the revitalization of existing airlines and airports.
• The plan operates for a period of ten years.
• Under-served airports are those that do not have more than one flight per day.
• Un-served airports are those where there is no operation.
• Financial incentives from the center, state governments and airport staff are extended to selected airlines to promote performance from un-served and under-served airports, and to keep airfares cheaper.

Success So Far

• To date, 387 routes and 60 airports have been used, of which only 100 routes have been issued in the North East alone.
• Under the KRISHI UDAN Scheme, 16 airports have been identified with the aim of enhancing export opportunities outside the North-East region to establish dual benefits of strengthening the movement of goods and exports.