The number of operating airports in India has increased from 74 in 2014 to 148 in 2023, a remarkable increase over the past nine years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
RCS-UDAN scheme
The Indian government has also taken steps to support the growth of the aviation industry, including launching the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme in 2016. This initiative aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible by providing subsidies to airlines that operate flights to smaller regional airports.
The scheme has made 469 routes operational, connecting 74 airports and offering cheap air travel for countless Indians.
The scheme aims to improve air connectivity and infrastructure in tier II and III cities, fulfilling the aspirations of common citizens.
UDAN scheme recently marked five years of completion.
The ‘Revival of unserved and under-served airports’ scheme has been approved by the government for the development of 100 such airports, helipads and water aerodromes by 2024.
The ongoing scheme covers more destinations or stations and routes through occasional bidding rounds.
This expansion has also been driven by increased demand for air travel, with more Indians choosing to fly both domestically and internationally.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s aviation industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. The country is projected to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2025, behind only the United States and China.