New Delhi | Updated: July 2, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce a 10-year extension of the Centre’s flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN, during his visit to Jodhpur on Saturday.
According to sources, the scheme will be extended until 2037. The center is expected to earmark significant funds to continue subsidies under the program, which aims to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for people in smaller cities and towns.
The announcement is likely to be made during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Jodhpur airport. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to interact with UDAN operators from different parts of the country during the event.
The extension is expected to provide long-term policy certainty to airlines, airport operators, and other stakeholders in the aviation sector. It is also likely to accelerate the development of regional airports and strengthen connectivity to smaller centers.
Launched in 2016, the UDAN scheme was introduced to make flying more affordable by capping airfares on regional routes and offering viability gap funding to airlines.
The scheme has played a key role in connecting underserved and unserved airports across the country. With the proposed 10-year extension, the government aims to further expand regional aviation infrastructure and improve air access in smaller cities.
The move is being seen as a major push for India’s aviation sector, especially at a time when regional travel demand continues to grow.
