Govt unveils draft scheme for extending affordable air travel programme UDAN to international circuits

Centre has unveiled a draft scheme for extending affordable air travel programme UDAN to international circuits, with state governments identifying the routes for operation. 

The draft International Air Connectivity (IAC) scheme envisages to increase international ticketing to 20 crore by 2027. 

The draft scheme stated that it is to be made operational only for states, which demonstrate commitment to implement and provide the requisite support for promoting operations under the scheme. 

Stakeholders inputs and comment have been sought till 4th of next month. The scheme has proposed to



set up an International Air Connectivity Fund (IACF) -- a dedicated fund for providing subsidy support under the scheme. 

It will be created through the contributions of state governments. 

State governments will identify the routes to be connected, and airline operators will assess demand on the identified routes and submit proposals for providing connectivity.

Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable for people through subsidised ticket rates and to provide air connectivity to smaller towns.