NEW DELHI: The Cental government has set a target of 100 airports operational by 2024, subject to the availability of supporting infrastructure such as land, regulatory approvals, and so on.

Since the commencement of the UDAN programme, about 68 airports have been operationalized for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) flights, according to officials.
Selected Airline Operators (SAOs) have operationalized 425 UDAN flights around the country, involving 68 airports/heliports/water Aerodromes. Even after the scheme's three-year exclusivity term expired, SAOs continued to operate several routes.

However, the COVID-19 epidemic has had a negative impact on the aviation industry, affecting domestic RCS flight operations. The suspension of scheduled commercial operations due to COVID-19 offered a number of issues. Passenger demand dropped dramatically, rendering aeroplane operations unprofitable.

Furthermore, the airlines' financial health was harmed due to the collapse of revenue sources combined with high fixed expenditures, resulting in a liquidity crunch. The government implemented policy measures to ensure the long-term viability of RCS-UDAN operations following COVID 19. These operational and financial flexibilities/relaxations, as well as cost-cutting initiatives, are viewed mutually beneficial for all stakeholders in order to sustain the benefit of air connectivity for passengers.

The Regional Connectivity Scheme is a market-driven initiative. Under the programme, airlines examine the demand and nature of supply required on a certain route and, based on their analysis, participate in the bidding process, which is held on a regular basis.

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