Indian Airports: Then vs Now – Before and after UDAN scheme What changed from 2014 to 2026 auto news

Last updated:March 28, 2026, 07:30 IST

Indian airports then vs now: India’s airport network has expanded dramatically since 2014, from 74 to 164 today. The flight plan has been important in this change.

Airports in India 2026: India’s air travel network and regional connectivity have undergone significant changes in recent years. The country now has 164 airports across tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 cities, a significant jump from 74 airports in 2014. This rapid growth is largely attributed to the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme launched by the government under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The most important milestone in this transformation is Jewar Airport in NoidaWhich will be inaugurated on March 28, 2026. This new greenfield airport is expected to further strengthen regional connectivity, ease air travel for millions of passengers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and create a significant economic impact in Uttar Pradesh.

The UDAN scheme, launched on 21 October 2016, has played a vital role in enabling such progress, democratizing air travel across the country by connecting smaller towns and cities to major metropolitan centres.

Also read: Jewar Airport flights: When will commercial operations actually begin?

Since its launch, the UDAN scheme has achieved tremendous success in opening the skies to millions of citizens. Sincerely implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, UDAN has, over time, uplifted India’s regional air connectivity landscape.

The first UDAN flight took off from Shimla to Delhi on April 27, 2017. This occasion can now be remembered as a historic moment. The UDAN scheme today has 625 operational routes, connecting 90 airports across the Indian region.

Also read: Jewar airport inaugurated: Check routes, traffic plan and parking details

Opening the skies to Indian citizens across various states, UDAN has created a record of flying more than 1.49 crore passengers through air travel services. April 27, 2026 will mark the ninth anniversary of UDAN’s historic first flight.

Expansion of India’s airport network

Conceived with a 10-year vision under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, the UDAN scheme has successfully connected tier-2 and tier-3 cities to the rest of India. The Prime Minister’s vision has been vindicated through a market-driven and financially supported model. According to the scheme, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of the Government of India incentivizes airlines to operate on regional air routes.

Last year, the Government of India had confirmed that it had paid Rs 4,023.37 crore as VGF to Indian Airlines to increase connectivity in deprived and remote areas. Since the beginning of its rule in 2014, the PM Modi-led Indian government has expanded India’s airport network from 74 airports to 164 airports today.

Also read: Jewar airport inaugurated on March 28: Expected to boost real estate in Noida, Yamuna Expressway

The aviation vision of the government has not only made airline services more affordable and accessible to the common citizen, but has also boosted regional tourism, trade, healthcare access and economic growth in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Stakeholder Initiative

Apart from Viability Gap Funding, other stakeholder initiatives have also played a strong role in supporting the Government of India implemented measures and airline support services for the UDAN scheme. These include:

1. airport operator: These operators waive landing and parking fees for RCS flights. Furthermore, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) does not levy Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) for flight plan supported flights. Airlines also benefit from rebate on Route Navigation and Facility Charges (RNFC).
2. State Governments: Local governments have reduced VAT on ATF to 1 percent or less for ten years. States have also provided security, fire essentials and utility services at reduced rates.
3. Central government: A cap of 2 per cent was imposed on excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) purchased at RCS airports in the first three years of the UDAN scheme. Additionally, airlines have been encouraged to enter into code-sharing agreements for expanded access.

50 new airports in 5 years; 400 by 2047

Despite the huge success of the UDAN scheme, the Indian government under PM Modi is unwilling to rest on its laurels when it comes to its aviation approach. The government is committed to ensuring even greater airport infrastructure development by opening 50 new airports in the next five years, including new greenfield airports in Bihar, expansion of Patna airport and development of a brownfield airport at Bihta.

Taking the UDAN scheme and regional air travel connectivity to the next level, the Government of India aims to develop over 400 airports by 2047. Having such a vast air travel connection network across the states will also boost India’s economic growth and help in national integration.

The long-term roadmap for this was confirmed on March 6, 2026, when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) awarded the aerodrome license for Noida International Airport (NIA) in Uttar Pradesh to Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL).

FAQs about Airports in India 2026 and UDAN Plan

Which states got the most new airports since 2014?

Since 2014, the government’s focus on regional connectivity has led to significant airport development in many states.

States leading airport expansion include Uttar Pradesh, which is set to welcome the new Jewar airport, and Bihar, where new greenfield airports are being developed.

Additionally, airport infrastructure is expected to expand further in the coming years in Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.

Has Udaan really made flying affordable for common Indians?

Yes, the UDAN scheme has made flying more affordable for the common man. Under this initiative, airfares on Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) routes are subsidized, with prices starting from as low as Rs 1,500.

The scheme has opened the doors of air travel to millions of people in small cities and towns who previously had limited or no access to affordable flights.

How different is the airport experience in 2026 vs. 2014?

The airport experience in 2026 is very different from that of 2014. With the rise of smaller regional airports due to UDAN planning, passengers are now experiencing more efficient and comfortable services in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Better infrastructure, upgraded terminals, faster security checks and better passenger amenities have transformed the overall airport experience. Additionally, increased connectivity and more flight options have made air travel easier and more accessible to everyone.

Can India really build 350-400 airports by 2047?

Given the progress made so far, India’s target of building 350-400 airports by 2047 is within reach. With ongoing investments in both greenfield and brownfield projects, the country is on its way to achieving this ambitious target.

Focusing on regional connectivity and airport infrastructure will not only increase air travel but also help in economic growth, regional integration and better access to essential services in remote areas.

Which 50 airports are coming next – and where?

The government plans to add 50 new airports in the next five years, further expanding the country’s airport network. Notable upcoming developments include greenfield airports in Bihar, expansion of Patna airport and construction of brownfield airports in cities like Bihta.

Additionally, many Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will benefit from new regional connectivity, boosting local economies and tourism.

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