Star Air welcomes the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, a landmark step that signals the government’s unwavering commitment to building a future-ready regional aviation ecosystem. With a record outlay of ₹28,840 crore, nearly six times the previous allocation, the revamped scheme represents a bold vision for expanding connectivity across India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, empowering airlines and airports to bring affordable air travel to millions more Indians.

Captain Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air, said, “We warmly welcome the Cabinet’s approval of the Modified UDAN Scheme. This is a bold and forward-looking step that will reshape regional aviation in India. As one of India’s largest regional airlines, we believe this will strengthen our vision of connecting real India. By bridging regional gaps, boosting local enterprise, and improving access to services, Modified UDAN moves us toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. We are excited to join this transformative journey.”

For the first time, the government’s approach goes beyond airport redevelopment. The Modified UDAN Scheme introduces sustained operational and maintenance support. This ensures the long-term viability of regional routes. The scheme also extends the subsidy period for airlines operating select Tier-2 and Tier-3 routes from three to five years. In a major shift, funding will now come directly from the exchequer and not from fare-based levies. These changes are expected to address past challenges, prevent route disuse, and support regional carriers’ growth.

The scheme’s ambitions are bold: 100 new airports will be developed from unserved airstrips, 200 modern helipads will improve access to remote and hilly regions, and a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) corpus of ₹10,043 crore over ten years will help airlines expand and sustain operations on regional routes. The “Challenge Mode” for airport development is set to establish new benchmarks in quality, timely completion, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision to democratise flying and make air travel truly inclusive.

Since its launch in 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 663 routes across 95 airports, making affordable air travel a reality for 16.2 million passengers. The Modified UDAN Scheme builds on this strong track record, addressing gaps and accelerating the expansion of regional connectivity. Beyond aviation, the scheme is poised to deliver broader developmental benefits, helping integrate local economies with larger markets, reducing travel time, and supporting social inclusion by connecting communities that have long remained at the margins of mainstream transport networks.

The approval of Modified UDAN reaffirms the Government of India’s resolve to build a modern, inclusive, sustainable, and nationally transformative civil aviation ecosystem. By combining infrastructure development, operational viability, last-mile connectivity, and indigenous capacity-building, the scheme sets the stage for the next phase of India’s regional aviation growth and advances the nation’s aspirations for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. Star Air stands ready to play its part in this next phase, connecting “real India” and contributing to the nation’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive growth.