Parliament Question: Air Connectivity to Smaller Towns

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3139 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18th December 2025 ) AIR CONNECTIVITY TO SMALLER TOWNS

3139. SMT SHAMBHAVI SHRI RAJESH VERMA DR. LATA WANKHEDE SHRI ATUL GARG Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of new airports recently established and the manner in which this rapid expansion would improve connectivity for smaller towns while complementing the UDAN scheme in the country, particularly in Bihar;

(b) the current statistical data of UDAN including the total number of operational routes and connected airports and the present status, locations and function of the UDAN Yatri Cafe initiative;

(c) the expanded operational framework and the specific resource allocation including Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for UDAN's planned extension to 120 new destinations enabling affordable travel for an additional four crore passengers;

(d) the details of the "Fares Se Fursat" fixed low airfare scheme and the manner in which such fixed-fare initiatives would stabilise air ticket prices for the passengers; and

(e) the steps being taken to leverage infrastructure growth and the extended UDAN framework beyond 2027 to stabilise ticket prices and ensure sustainable and affordable air travel? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) & (b): Under the 'Revival of unserved and underserved airports' scheme, an airport which is included in the awarded routes of UDAN and requires upgradation/development for the commencement of UDAN operations, is developed. On development and readiness of the airport, Selected Airline Operators (SAOs) commence operations on the awarded UDAN routes connecting these airports. As of 30.11.2025, 93 airports/heliports/ water-aerodromes have been operationalised through 651 Routes under the RCS-UDAN Scheme. ;

In the State of Bihar, 8 Airports have been identified under the UDAN Scheme out of which, 2 airports, Darbhanga & Purnea have already been operationalised.

UDAN Yatri Cafe is a budget-friendly initiative designed to provide affordable, hygienic, and quality food and beverages to travellers at airports.UDAN Yatri Cafes are currently operational at Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada and Hollongi.;(c) to (e): The Modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country is currently at the approval stage. ;

The UDAN scheme offers financial incentives to airlines through Central/State Government and airport operator concessions, along with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to cover cost- revenue gaps. Airfares for VGF-supported RCS seats are capped at subsidised rates, with quarterly indexation. These measures enhance the affordability and sustainability of air travel.

M/s Alliance Air Aviation Limited, a Government of India Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) has introduced one route, one fare scheme providing fixed fare on selected 25 routes for travel dates from 13.10.2025 to 31.12.2025 on pilot basis.

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