The Press Information Bureau announced on 20 October 2026 that the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme was launched on 4 July 2026. This phase, running from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, allocates Rs 28,840 crore to develop 100 airports and 200 helipads, and provide Viability Gap Funding for airlines. The initiative aims to make air travel affordable and sustainable while promoting indigenous aircraft manufacturing. State governments and UTs can nominate sites for development through a new Challenge Mode Portal.
Key points
- Total outlay: Rs 28,840 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36
- Infrastructure: 100 airports to be developed (Rs 12,159 crore) and 200 helipads (Rs 3,661 crore)
- Airline Support: Rs 10,043 crore allocated for Viability Gap Funding over ten years
- Indigenous Aviation: Rs 400 crore for HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft
- O&M Support: Rs 2,577 crore for operation and maintenance of approximately 441 aerodromes
When it applies
- launch of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), also known as UDAN
- launch of the next phase of UDAN
- implementation period of the next phase of UDAN
- implementation period of the next phase of UDAN
Who it affects
- helipads
- unserved airstrips