Sunday, February 2, 2025 The Indian aviation industry is gearing up for a significant transformation following the announcement of the Union Budget 2025-26 , which places a strong emphasis on enhancing regional air connectivity and upgrading infrastructure. With the government’s renewed commitment to expanding domestic aviation, airline operators have welcomed the budget as a game-changer for the sector. One of the most notable highlights is the introduction of a modified UDAN scheme , designed to extend air travel accessibility to 120 new destinations over the next decade.
This expansion aims to accommodate 40 million additional passengers , ensuring that air connectivity reaches more remote and underserved areas. The initiative will also support the development of helipads and small airports , particularly in hilly regions, aspirational districts, and the North East , where air travel remains a crucial mode of transportation. Since its inception in April 2017 , the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) initiative has revolutionized affordable air travel in India.
It has successfully enabled 1.5 crore middle-class travelers to experience the convenience of flying, established 88 operational airports , and facilitated 619 new air routes . With the latest expansion, the government aims to further bridge the connectivity gap between major hubs and smaller towns, boosting tourism and regional economies.
Alongside enhancing regional air travel, the budget also underscores airport infra.