Why in News?
India has operationalised only four airports in FY26 under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme — the lowest number added in a single fiscal year since the programme began in 2016.
About UDAN Scheme
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional air connectivity scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible, especially for people in smaller towns and remote regions.
It is implemented under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Objectives
- Enhance regional air connectivity.
- Make air travel affordable for common citizens.
- Develop unserved and underserved airports.
- Promote balanced regional development.
- Boost tourism, trade, and economic activity.
