Ministry of Civil Aviation flags off 6 routes connecting NE under UDAN Scheme

The Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme.

Context

The Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme.

Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was introduced as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Public Aviation in 2016.
The plan aims to improve the regional aviation market.
The program focuses on providing affordable, efficient and profitable air travel on regional routes to the average person even in small towns.
The program aims to provide connectivity to unused and unrestricted airports through the revitalization of existing airlines and airports.
The plan operates for a period of ten years.

Under-served airports are those that do not have more than one flight per day.
Un-served airports are those where there is no operation.

Financial incentives from the center, state governments and airport staff are extended to selected airlines to promote performance from un-served and under-served airports, and to keep airfares cheaper.

To date, 387 routes and 60 airports have been used, of which only 100 routes have been issued in the North East alone.
Under the KRISHI UDAN Scheme, 16 airports have been identified with the aim of enhancing export opportunities outside the North-East region to establish dual benefits of strengthening the movement of goods and exports.