Parliament Question: UDAN shortfalls and airport congestion in Tier-II cities

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4024 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 30th March 2026 UDAN SHORTFALLS AND AIRPORT CONGESTION IN TIER-II CITIES 4024. SHRI K.R.N. RAJESHKUMAR Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) reasons for shortfall in operationalizing heliports and water aerodromes under UDAN scheme in 2025-26 and timeline for resolving land acquisition and environmental clearance delays; (b) whether it is a fact that major airports in Tier-II and III cities are currently operating at 85 per cent to 120 per cent of their handling capacity, leading to extreme passenger congestion; (c) status of Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025 and manner in which it has impacted leasing costs for domestic airlines since its notification in May, 2025; and (d) details of Customs Cost Recovery Charges (CCRC) grant approved for 2026-27 fiscal year to support air cargo terminals in smaller cities? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a): During 2025-26, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), 5 airports including 2 Helipads namely, Amravati, Datia, Purnea, Reckong Peo (H) & Sanjoli (H) and 38 routes have been operationalised. (b): Passenger traffic at airports vary depending on several factors such as seasonal demand, festivals, holidays and airline schedules. During peak travel periods, higher passenger footfall may be observed at some airports which could lead to temporary congestion. However, airport operators continuously monitor passenger traffic and take necessary operational measures to ensure smooth passenger facilitation and efficient airport operations. (c): The Rules pertaining to the Act have been notified. The airlines have informed that through the enactment of the legislation, aircraft leasing costs are likely to be reduced by 8% to 10%. Further, the augmentation of fleet, expansion of airline networks and reduced financing/leasing costs is expected to encourage healthy competition and translate into lower airfares for passengers and cargo. (d): Rs. 30.33 crore of grant for reimbursement towards Customs Cost Recovery Charges (CCRC) has been approved for FY 2026-27 for supporting international air cargo operations of AAICLAS. ******