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The Regional Air Connectivity Scheme (RCS), also known as UDAN, is aimed at improving connectivity by linking under-served airports and making air travel more affordable.
India aims for 40 crore air passengers by 2029, prioritising regional air connectivity under UDAN.
Regional air connectivity remains a top priority for the government, with air passenger traffic expected to soar to 400 million by 2029, according to Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam.
Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, Vualnam also highlighted the growing ecosystem for seaplane operations, as per Financial Express.
He pointed out the significant potential for growth in India’s aviation sector, noting a rise in passenger traffic from 110 million a decade ago to 220 million today. He projects this number will reach 400 million by 2029, driven by rising demand for air travel.
The Regional Air Connectivity Scheme (RCS), also known as UDAN, is aimed at improving connectivity by linking under-served airports and making air travel more affordable. Vualnam reassured that the scheme would remain a government priority, with plans to further expand helicopter and seaplane services.
Since the UDAN scheme was launched in October 2016, 613 routes connecting 87 airports, including 13 heliports and two water aerodromes, have been operationalised as of 30th November 2024.
The Civil Aviation Ministry also reported that more than 14.6 million domestic passengers have travelled on 286,000 RCS flights by December 2024.
