This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation's response to concerns raised in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3076 regarding challenges in the civil aviation sector, specifically high airfares, inadequate regional connectivity, airport infrastructure delays, airline financial stress, and passenger safety.
The Ministry addresses these concerns by highlighting the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), launched on October 21, 2016. As of August 7, 2025, 637 RCS routes have been operationalized, connecting 92 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. The UDAN scheme aims to enhance affordability through financial incentives to airline operators, including concessions from the Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories, and airport operators, as well as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to offset operational costs. Airfares on RCS seats with VGF are capped for a three-year period.
The Ministry states that airport expansion and upgrades are ongoing, subject to land availability, commercial viability, socio-economic factors, traffic demand, and airline interest. The National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, aims to foster a conducive ecosystem for the aviation sector's overall growth. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensures aviation safety through regular surveillance, spot checks, audits, and an Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP). Audit findings are addressed through verified corrective actions.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation of national policies and programmes for the development and regulation of the Civil Aviation sector.
Shri Zia Ur Rehman: A member of Lok Sabha who raised a question regarding challenges in the civil aviation sector.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol: Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, who provided the answer to the question in the Lok Sabha.
Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik RCS-UDAN: A scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable.
National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016: A policy that seeks to provide a conducive ecosystem for the overall growth of the Indian aviation sector.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The regulatory body in India responsible for ensuring aviation safety and standards.
Tier2 and Tier3 cities: Cities with smaller populations and developing infrastructure, which are the focus of the RCS-UDAN scheme to improve air connectivity.
Viability Gap Funding VGF: Financial support provided under the UDAN scheme to bridge the gap between operational costs and expected revenues for airlines operating on regional routes.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3076
th
(To be answered on the 7 August 2025)
AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL
3076. SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is aware of the challenges being faced in the civil
aviation sector, particularly with regard to high airfares, lack of adequate air
connectivity in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, delays in airport infrastructure
development, financial stress being faced by airlines and issues related to
passenger safety and convenience;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the
Government to promote affordable and accessible air travel, improve regional
connectivity, expedite infrastructure development, ensure the financial health
of airlines, enhance safety standards and improve passenger services across
the country through various schemes and policy initiatives; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a) to (c): The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the Regional Connectivity
Scheme - Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) on October 21, 2016, to
facilitate regional air connectivity by reviving unserved and underserved
airports in Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities. Since the commencement of the scheme, 637
number of RCS routes have been operationalized, connecting 92 unserved and
underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes across
the country.
To ensure the affordability of regional air travel, the UDAN scheme provides
financial incentives to airline operators on regional routes that include:
Concessions by the Central Government, State Governments/ Union
Territories and airport operators to reduce airline operation costs and also
the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to bridge the gap between operational costs
and expected revenues on such routes. The airfare on the RCS seats on which
VGF is provided to the Selected Airline Operators (SAOs) is capped for a 3-year tenure.
The expansion and upgradation of airports is a continuous process and is
undertaken by the Airport Operators from time to time depending on the
availability of land, commercial viability, socio-economic considerations,
traffic demand / willingness of airlines to operate to/from such airports
The National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016 seeks to provide a conducive
ecosystem for overall growth of the Indian aviation sector in a harmonised
manner that includes growth of all its sub-sectors viz airlines, airports, MRO,
FTO etc.
Further, the DGCA ensures aviation safety through a robust oversight system,
including regular surveillance, spot checks, and audits. It follows an Annual
Surveillance Plan (ASP) for inspections and ensures that audit findings are
addressed with verified corrective actions.
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