UDAN SCHEME
10 new airports coming soon in Madhya Pradesh; plan includes helipads in all 230 assembly seats
New airports coming up in MP: Madhya Pradesh is rolling out a major aviation expansion under its Civil Aviation Policy 2025, aiming for an airport every 150 km, an airstrip every 75 km and a helipad every 45 km statewide, with permanent helipads planned in all 230 assembly constituencies.
Four new airports to come up in West Bengal in two years: K Rammohan Naidu
Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced the development of four new airports in West Bengal. These new airports will be located in Charra, Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Hasimara. Naidu indicated there is a need for a second airport in Kolkata to meet demand. The UDAN scheme will see an investment of Rs 29,000 crore in the state over ten years.
ALPA India seeks tax relief for pilots in FY28 Budget
ALPA India has called for tax relief measures to address the ongoing attrition of Indian pilots. The organization argues that the current tax policies disproportionately affect pilots compared to those in zero-income-tax countries. Suggested measures include increased exemption caps and specialized deductions for pilots' expenses. The pilots' body emphasizes the urgent need for these changes to maintain India's aviation workforce.
Lakshadweep seaplane launch in limbo after last-minute Skyhop permission withdrawal
India's plans for seaplane connectivity in Lakshadweep encountered challenges after permissions were withdrawn unexpectedly. Skyhop, the seaplane operator, had made significant investments in preparation for the launch. Initial approvals were reversed, citing a lack of infrastructure to accommodate seaplanes. This situation highlights ongoing difficulties faced by operators in establishing services on remote routes. The incident reflects broader regulatory and infrastructural issues affecting Indian regional aviation efforts.
Govt to weigh Adani airline plan cautiously over airport-airline conflict concerns
The government is carefully considering the Adani Group's request to start an airline, which could impact competition. There are concerns regarding the conflicts of interest due to cross ownership of airports and airlines. Existing airlines have opposed any relaxation of restrictions that could favor a single company like Adani. The Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme aims to boost regional connectivity by making air travel more accessible.
India's small-town aviation push enters big new phase as Centre prepares to take UDAN wider and deeper
As many as 21 new memorandums of understanding have been signed between the ministry, participating states and UTs and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the implementing agency for the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
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India gives UDAN another decade to fly & generate Rs 60,000 crore; MoUs in 2-3 weeks
The Centre expects to finalize UDAN scheme agreements with all states soon. West Bengal will sign its memorandum of understanding on September twenty-eighth. The UDAN scheme has been extended for another decade, projecting significant economic impact. Faster airport construction is planned through a challenge model under the new framework. The government also monitors SpiceJet's operational and financial matters closely.

Centre to sign MoUs with 22 states for next phase of UDAN
The Ministry of Civil Aviation will sign MoUs with 22 states for the next phase of UDAN. This signing marks the launch of Challenge Mode and a new Routes Bidding Round. The scheme aims to expand regional air connectivity and strengthen the aviation ecosystem. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme for ten years with significant budgetary support.

Centre agrees to provide funding for construction of heliports under UDAN scheme
Union Minister directed Kangra Airport expansion feasibility report finalization within two months. The Centre will fund heliport construction across the hill state under the UDAN scheme. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister discussed strengthening air connectivity and aviation infrastructure with the minister. Land acquisition for Kangra Airport expansion is already completed by the state government. Regular flights from Shimla Airport and security arrangements were also discussed.

India to build 100 airports over next 10 years under modified UDAN scheme: Naidu
India plans to construct 100 new airports over the next decade. This expansion aims to enhance regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme. The government will invest approximately thirty thousand crore rupees for this ambitious project. Civil aviation is identified as the nation's fastest-growing economic sector. The hub-and-spoke model is being adopted to improve passenger convenience.

Govt to invest Rs 28,840 crore in UDAN scheme over next 10 years: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
The Centre will spend around Rs 28,840 crore over the next 10 years to expand the UDAN regional connectivity scheme and strengthen air connectivity across India, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said.

Madhya Pradesh gets four new flight routes, Bhopal, Rewa, Jabalpur linked to Patna, Kolkata
In a significant boost for air travel in Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal has welcomed four new flights, enhancing its connectivity. The new routes now link Bhopal to Rewa and Patna, while Rewa expands its horizons towards Jabalpur and Kolkata. Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu emphasized the success of the UDAN scheme in promoting aviation.

Fly91 appoints former Jazeera Airways deputy CEO as President & COO
At FLY91, Balakrishnan will lead the airline's day-to-day operations, drive operational excellence across the organisation and work closely with aircraft manufacturers and strategic partners to support the airline's continued expansion. Kushwaha will oversee finance, administration and procurement, supporting the airline's growth strategy and long-term objectives, Fly91 said.

Akasa Air backs plan to let airport operators own airlines: CEO Vinay Dube
Akasa Air's CEO supports airport operators owning airlines, emphasizing India's need for more aviation competition. He is confident the government will consider all factors before making a final decision. IndiGo's co-founder expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest with such a proposal. The Indian aviation market is experiencing rapid growth and needs diverse airline options. The government remains committed to supporting both existing and new airline operators.

PM Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates Rs 18,000 crore development projects in Andhra Pradesh, flags off UDAN 2.0 expansion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth nearly eighteen thousand crore rupees in Andhra Pradesh. He also laid the foundation stone for a semiconductor manufacturing facility at Visakhapatnam. Several renewable energy transmission projects were also inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Additionally, highway projects worth over one thousand eight hundred eighty crore rupees were dedicated. These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure and economic growth across the state.

Modified UDAN scheme to receive Rs 28,840 crore support over 10 years: Civil Aviation Minister
The Centre has proposed an overall budgetary support of Rs 28,840 crore over 10 years for the next phase of the regional air connectivity scheme, including viability gap funding for airlines and the development and maintenance of airports and heliports, said Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.

PM Modi launches Modified UDAN scheme; inaugurates terminal building of Jodhpur Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the revamped UDAN scheme with a Rs 28,840 crore investment over a decade. This initiative aims to boost regional air connectivity by developing 100 aerodromes, supporting airport operations, and providing viability gap funding. The plan also includes building 200 helipads and procuring indigenous aircraft, alongside the inauguration of a new terminal at Jodhpur Airport.

Government revived many pre-independence airstrips into operational airports: Rammohan Naidu in Lok Sabha
The Indian government has revitalized numerous pre-independence airstrips, transforming them into active airports. These facilities now operate under the Udan scheme, making air travel more accessible. The number of operational airports has surged from 74 in 2014 to over 160. The Udan scheme, aimed at democratizing aviation, has been extended for another decade.

120 more locations under UDAN scheme, 4 cr people to be air connected in next 10 yrs: Naidu
The Indian government plans to add 120 new locations through the UDAN scheme over the next decade, aiming to connect 4 crore more people. The scheme has previously connected 1.5 crore individuals, successfully promoting regional air connectivity and reducing congestion at major airports.

UDAN extended for 10 years: 120 more destinations, 40 million fliers to benefit
The government's extension of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) beyond its initial tenure is set to enhance air connectivity to smaller cities. The modified UDAN scheme will connect 120 new destinations, adding 40 million passengers over the next decade, reflecting a significant shift in India's aviation landscape.

UDAN scheme helps improve passenger footfall at Mysore Airport: Airport Director
After the launch of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, the Mysore Airport once again gets its glory to operate more flights and increase the facilities for the benefit of the airport.

UDAN has transformed Indian aviation by connecting smaller cities, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi praised the UDAN scheme for revolutionizing India's aviation sector by expanding airports and air routes. Implemented over eight years, it has provided affordable air travel for 1.5 crore passengers and operationalised 86 aerodromes. The government aims to continue enhancing connectivity and comfort in the aviation sector.

Ajay Singh on SpiceJet expansion, aircraft lease, ECLGS fund & more
“SpiceJet has started flights to Italy and there will be several other international destinations that the airline will be starting in the next few days. We expect these wet lease aircraft, the majority of which are the fuel efficient Max Aircraft, will help us in expanding our network. We will soon have SpiceXpress, the cargo arm, as a separate entity.”

MakeMyTrip to partner with civil aviation ministry to promote regional air connectivity
Online travel services firm MakeMyTrip to partner with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to promote regional air connectivity through the UDAN scheme. MakeMyTrip will also market UDAN flights offline through its large network of franchisee retail stores for offline booking.

Aviation Ministry to launch Krishi Udan scheme for transport of agri-products: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the Aviation Ministry will launch the Krishi Udan scheme to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their "value realisation".

Total 705 routes awarded under UDAN, 174 become operational: Aviation Minister
Based on their assessment of demand on particular routes, the airlines submit proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN scheme from time to time.

Rs 400 crore cleared for UDAN scheme bailout
The aviation ministry was in need of money to fund the subsidy and had approached the finance ministry for help.

15 airlines bid for 111 routes in third round of UDAN scheme auction
SpiceJet and IndiGo has bid for 37 routes and 20 routes in the third round of auctions. Ghodawat Enterprises Private Limited has bid for total 15 routes in this round.

SpiceJet starts direct flight between Kolkata and Lilabari under UDAN scheme
The unserved market of Lilabari, located in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, was awarded to SpiceJet under the second phase of Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme. Lilabari is the airline's tenth destination under it.
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