udan scheme

India is set to relaunch seaplane services with SkyHop Aviation receiving its operator's license. The company will initially connect five Lakshadweep islands and the mainland using a 19-seater aircraft. This initiative, supported by government incentives and a modified De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, aims to improve regional connectivity and tourism.

Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha urged the Airports Authority of India to expedite the Bokaro airport project following a 48-hour inspection. The AAI team reviewed infrastructure and safety systems, with most Bureau of Civil Aviation Security requirements met. Clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is now awaited for the airport, included in the udan scheme since 2016.

Noida International Airport has received final clearance for its commercial launch, with the first domestic flights expected in early June. This development coincides with Delhi's IGI Airport enhancing its hub-and-spoke operations, boosting aerial connectivity in the NCR region. The aviation ministry is implementing measures to support airlines during challenging times.

India's UDAN 2.0 scheme, with a Rs 28,000 crore outlay, aims to significantly boost regional air travel over 10 years. The revamped initiative will develop 100 airports, support aerodrome operations, build helipads, and provide financial aid to airlines, enhancing connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Karnataka government is considering a single airport for Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal districts due to mixed results of the Centre's udan scheme. Infrastructure Minister MB Patil highlighted struggles of regional airports post-Udan support, aiming to avoid a 'white elephant' project. The state is examining a viable model for the Kalyana Karnataka region, with land already acquired for a Ballari airport.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated that at least 60% of seats on every flight must be allocated free of charge, aiming to make air travel more affordable and accessible. This directive, implemented by the DGCA, seeks to prevent excessive surge pricing and stabilize ticket costs, especially during peak seasons.

Valmiki Nagar Airport in West Champaran is set for a significant upgrade, with a Rs 38.64 crore tender issued for its development. This project aims to transform the historic airstrip into a modern facility, enhancing regional air connectivity and boosting tourism and trade in North Bihar, including areas near the Nepal border.

The government has received bids for 111 routes from 15 airlines under the third round of auction for the udan scheme. SpiceJet and IndiGo have bid for 37 routes and 20 routes in the third round of auctions. Ghodawat Enterprises Pvt Ltd has bid for a total of 15 routes in this round.

The draft International Air Connectivity (IAC) scheme envisages to increase the international ticketing to 20 crore by 2027. "The scheme is to be made operational only for states, which demonstrate their commitment to implement and provide the requisite support for promoting operations under the scheme," the draft reads. Stakeholders inputs and comment have been sought till September 4.

Union civil aviation minister VK Singh on Monday informed that the Nagarjuna Sagar water aerodrome has been identified under the udan scheme and a provision of Rs 20 crores has been made under "revival of unserved-underserved airports" scheme for the development of water aerodrome and seaplane operations.

Though no city from Bihar figured on the first list of airports covered under udan scheme of government of India on Thursday, senior officials in state civil aviation directorate claimed that Patna, Bihta, Gaya, Purnia and Darbhanga airfields would be connected under the regional air connectivity scheme in the near future.

Uttar Pradesh is undergoing a significant aviation expansion, building a network of 21 airports, including five international gateways. This ambitious project aims to boost connectivity, strengthen tourism, and support industrial growth across the populous state. The development connects major cities, pilgrimage sites, and emerging economic hubs, transforming travel and accessibility for millions.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday urged Union civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu to expedite air connectivity under udan scheme in Hosur, Neyveli and Ramanathapuram.

Belagavi district MP Mangala Angadi and Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi met Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday and demanded measures to resume the direct flight between Belagavi and Delhi which was cancelled by Spicejet on December 10. The MPs told the Minister about increasing demand for connectivity to cities such as Varanasi, Chennai, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Pune from Belagavi. The MPs also submitted a memorandum urging the Minister to extend the udan scheme up to 2026 for the Belagavi Airport as the first three years will end in 2023. The memorandum said that the Belagavi Airport was one of the oldest of the country established by Royal Air Force in 1942 thanks to the udan scheme, and has flights to 13 cities through five airline companies. The MPs expressed apprehension that the city could lose out on connectivity to more cities if the udan scheme is not extended.