UDAN Scheme: Temporary Halts in India's Regional Air Connectivity

Fifteen airports under India's UDAN regional connectivity scheme are temporarily non-operational due to factors including low passenger loads and operational challenges. The UDAN initiative aimed to boost air travel by connecting underserved regions, but current issues have paused operations at several airports.

Fifteen airports part of India's UDAN scheme have halted operations temporarily, according to the government, primarily due to low passenger numbers and various operational challenges.

The UDAN scheme, launched to enhance regional air connectivity by linking underserved airports, has seen 651 routes and 93 airports operational so far, but certain airports face temporary closures.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol reported issues like expiring Viability Gap Funding, poor weather conditions, and fleet limitations as main reasons for the disruptions, impacting airports across states including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar.

(With inputs from agencies.)