India plans to build 100 new airports over the next 10 years under the regional connectivity framework known as UDAN. The expansion is linked to the Modified UDAN scheme, which has a central budgetary outlay of ₹28,840 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
UDAN and Regional Connectivity
UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik and is India’s regional connectivity scheme for civil aviation. The scheme was launched to improve air access in underserved and unserved regions through subsidised routes, airport development, and route viability support.
The Modified UDAN scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister in March 2026. The scheme covers airport development, route expansion, and supporting infrastructure for regional air connectivity.
Airport Expansion and Network Growth
India’s active airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 2026. This growth includes new airports, upgraded terminals, and expanded operational capacity across the civil aviation network.
The planned airport expansion is estimated to cost about ₹30,000 crore over the next decade. The project is intended to support air travel demand from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Himalayan regions, remote areas, and island territories.
Hub-and-Spoke Aviation Model
The hub-and-spoke model links smaller airports to a major hub airport for onward domestic and international travel. Ahmedabad Airport became India’s third hub-and-spoke aviation operation, after earlier launches at Varanasi Airport and Amritsar Airport.
This model is used in civil aviation to improve passenger transfer between domestic and international flights. It is also relevant for airport planning, route integration, and network connectivity in India.
Important Facts for Exams
- UDAN is India’s regional connectivity scheme under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- Modified UDAN has a budgetary outlay of ₹28,840 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
- India’s active airports rose from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 2026.
- Ahmedabad Airport is India’s third hub-and-spoke aviation operation after Varanasi and Amritsar.
Helipads and Remote Connectivity
The Modified UDAN programme also includes plans to develop 200 new helipads. Helipads are used for helicopter operations in difficult terrain, remote settlements, and island regions.
Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the regions identified for improved air connectivity under the expansion plan.
