UDAN 2.0: India revamps regional flight scheme with higher funding and local aircraft

India's UDAN scheme, designed to make air travel affordable and accessible across the country, is being overhauled after its initial phase struggled with sustainability. The revised programme shifts focus beyond just connecting smaller cities to also prioritising airport infrastructure development and broader ecosystem support. The updated scheme introduces increased financial assistance and plans to integrate domestically built aircraft into regional operations. Authorities aim to reduce dependence on government subsidies over time by building a more self-sustaining regional aviation network.