Airline operators have hailed the Union Budget 2025-26, with the government putting an additional thrust on the ever-growing domestic civil aviation sector. Inspired by the success of the previous regional connectivity scheme, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and Northeast region districts.
UDAN has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class people to meet their aspirations for speedier travel. The scheme has connected 88 airports and operationalized 619 routes. The UDAN scheme, launched in April 2017, focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions.
India’s aviation industry has experienced significant growth in the past decade, and the number of operational airports in the country has since doubled. The government aims to make India a global aviation hub by 2030.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced that greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to meet the future needs of the State. These will be in addition to the expansion of the capacity of Patna airport and a brownfield airport at Bihta.
