**Executive Summary**
This document presents the Ministry of Civil Aviation's response to an unstarred question regarding the UDAN Scheme, to be answered on January 29, 2026. It provides details on fund allocation, airports connected, and operational status. Key information is provided in Annexure-I (Viability Gap Funding) and Annexure-II (List of operationalized RCS Airports).
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **UDAN Scheme Overview:**
* The UDAN Scheme has been in effect for nine years, with 14 rounds of bidding conducted across five versions.
* **Viability Gap Funding (VGF):**
* Year-wise details of VGF disbursed to airlines since the scheme's inception are available in Annexure-I.
* **Airport Connectivity:**
* As of January 20, 2026, 93 airports have been developed and operationalized under the UDAN scheme.
* 73 are unserved airports.
* 20 are underserved airports.
* Includes 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.
* Year-wise and state-wise details of connected airports are provided in Annexure-II.
* **Non-Operational Airports:**
* 15 airports are currently non-operational due to factors like:
* Completion of the three-year concession period.
* Poor visibility conditions.
* Daytime runway restrictions at VFR-only airports.
* Shortage of aircraft.
* Leasing issues.
* Temporary discontinuation by airlines.
* Novation of routes.
* Low passenger load factors.
* The non-operational airports include Pathankot, Pakyong, Kushinagar, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Shravasti, Moradabad, Bhavnagar, Ambikapur, Ludhiana, Datia, Kalaburagi, Shimla and Cooch Behar.
**Impact Analysis**
**Airlines**
* **Impact**: Airlines have benefitted through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the UDAN scheme. However, changes in operational airport status could impact route planning and profitability.
* **Action Required**: Review Annexure-I for VGF disbursement details and Annexure-II to assess changes in airport operations that may affect route planning.
**Airport Authorities**
* **Impact**: Authorities are affected by the operational status of airports and need to address the factors causing non-operation to improve connectivity.
* **Action Required**: Assess the reasons for non-operation (concession period, visibility, restrictions, aircraft availability, and demand) and implement strategies to ensure airport functionality.
**Passengers**
* **Impact**: Passengers in regions served by UDAN may experience fluctuations in air service availability based on airport operational status and airline route decisions.
* **Action Required**: No direct action, but monitoring air service availability is recommended.
**Ministry of Civil Aviation**
* **Impact**: The response and the underlying information provide data for oversight and potential adjustment of the UDAN scheme to improve effectiveness.
* **Action Required**: Review the data, particularly reasons for non-operational airports, to evaluate and enhance the UDAN Scheme.
Key Entities Referenced
UDAN Scheme: A regional airport development and Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to enhance aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The primary ministry overseeing the implementation of the UDAN Scheme and addressing related questions in Lok Sabha.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): A subsidy provided to airlines under the UDAN scheme.