PM Udaan Yojana 2025 : In recent years, air travel in India has undergone a major transformation. Once considered a luxury only the wealthy could afford, flying has gradually become more accessible to millions of Indians, thanks in large part to government-backed initiatives. Among these, the Pradhan Mantri Udaan Yojana 2025 (UDAN – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) stands out as a game-changer.
Launched to bridge the gap between small towns and major cities, the PM Udaan Yojana 2025 aims to make air travel affordable for middle-class and lower-income groups, connecting underserved regions to the national aviation network.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from eligibility and benefits to application procedures and the latest updates for 2025.
What Is PM Udaan Yojana 2025?
A Vision to Empower the Common Citizen
Introduced in 2016 under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the UDAN scheme is India’s bold step toward democratizing air travel. The goal is simple but powerful:
“Let the common citizen of the country fly.”
While air travel in metro cities is well-developed, many tier-2 and tier-3 cities still struggle with connectivity. The PM Udaan Yojana 2025 addresses this issue by:
- Developing new regional airports.
- Revamping underutilized or unserved airstrips.
- Launching affordable air routes with government-supported capped fares.
By 2025, the scheme aims to fully operationalize 774 routes and connect 410 airports and airstrips, giving millions of Indians their first-ever flying experience.
Why Is the PM Udaan Yojana Needed?
Making Dreams Take Flight
For many Indians living in smaller towns, flying was once a distant dream, mainly due to high ticket prices. Long-distance train or bus journeys remained the only option. This not only consumed time but also limited economic opportunities.
By subsidizing fares and supporting airlines financially, the PM Udaan Yojana ensures:
- Affordable tickets — capped at ₹2,500 for a one-hour flight.
- Increased regional trade, business, and tourism.
- Faster, safer, and more efficient travel for citizens.
Quick Example:
Imagine a small business owner in Ranchi who needs to frequently visit Kolkata. Earlier, this would mean a full day of train travel. Under UDAN, he can now reach Kolkata in under an hour, for about ₹2,500, saving both time and money.
Key Features of PM Udaan Yojana 2025
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this scheme unique:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Scheme Category | Financial Relief, Regional Connectivity |
| Ticket Fare Cap | ₹2,500 for one-hour flight |
| Distance Limit | Maximum 800 km routes |
| Airports Covered | 410 airports/airstrips |
| Routes Sanctioned | 774 |
| Passengers Targeted | Over 3.4 crore transported in 2022-23 |
| Government Support | Viability Gap Funding (VGF), tax concessions, reduced navigation charges |
Who Is Eligible for PM Udaan Yojana 2025?
Unlike many government schemes, PM Udaan Yojana is open to everyone. However, there are certain eligibility guidelines for airlines, airports, and operational partners:
1️⃣ Passengers
- Any citizen of India can avail discounted fares.
- No income limit or documentation required for passengers.
- First-come, first-served booking applies, based on airline availability.
2️⃣ Airlines
- Both scheduled and non-scheduled operators can participate.
- Airlines must bid for routes through competitive processes.
3️⃣ Airports
- Airports located in under-served or unserved regions are eligible.
- State governments assist by providing land, tax reductions, and infrastructure support.
Financial Support Under PM Udaan Yojana 2025
The government offers financial support to airlines in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF). This subsidy helps airlines cover the cost of operating regional flights while offering passengers affordable rates.
Additional financial incentives include:
- Reduction of Goods & Services Tax (GST) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to 1%.
- Reduced Route Navigation Facility Charges (RNFC) at 42.4% of regular charges.
- Exemption or reduction of airport charges at participating airports.
This multi-level financial model ensures that even smaller regional airlines can operate profitably while providing low-cost services to the public.
PM Udaan Yojana vs Nai Udaan Scheme: Don’t Get Confused
Sometimes people confuse PM Udaan Yojana with the Nai Udaan Scheme. Both are important, but serve different purposes:
| Scheme | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PM Udaan Yojana (RCS) | Make air travel affordable and accessible for all by improving regional air connectivity. |
| Nai Udaan Scheme | Provide financial assistance to minority students for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, etc. |
Role of State Governments in UDAN 2025
The central government works closely with state governments to implement UDAN successfully. State governments contribute by:
- Providing land at subsidized rates for airport development.
- Offering tax breaks on aviation fuel.
- Supplying trained security staff.
- Facilitating coordination with oil companies and other stakeholders.
This cooperative approach helps reduce operational costs and improves infrastructure readiness.
Recent Updates and Progress (As of 2025)
- As of March 2023, 54 routes were already operational.
- Over 3.4 crore passengers had flown under the scheme by 2022-23.
- Many small cities like Jharsuguda, Darbhanga, and Rupsi have been added to India’s aviation map for the first time.
Challenges Faced by PM Udaan Yojana
While the scheme has been widely successful, it faces some hurdles:
- Airlines must meet stringent guidelines to receive subsidies.
- Passenger volumes on certain routes remain low, making some operations less profitable.
- Infrastructure at smaller airports needs continuous upgrading to handle increased air traffic.
Fresh Insight:
Experts suggest that combining UDAN routes with local tourism campaigns can help generate more demand, ensuring both profitability and sustainability.
How to Apply or Book Tickets Under UDAN 2025?
As a passenger, you don’t need to apply separately for UDAN — the process is fully integrated with regular airline ticketing systems. Simply:
- Visit the airline’s website or third-party booking platforms.
- Look for routes marked under “UDAN” or “RCS”.
- Book your ticket as usual — discounted fares automatically apply to eligible flights.
For airlines, applications for new routes are invited periodically by the Ministry of Civil Aviation via bidding processes.
Success Stories: Real-Life Impact of PM Udaan Yojana
Let’s look at a few heartwarming examples:
- Darbhanga, Bihar: Earlier disconnected from major air routes, the city now has multiple daily flights connecting it to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, boosting local business and tourism.
- Jharsuguda, Odisha: Known as the “powerhouse of Odisha”, it now benefits from faster corporate and cargo movement, driving economic development.
These real-world outcomes showcase how UDAN is transforming lives across the nation
Final Takeaway: A Flight Toward Inclusive Growth
The PM Udaan Yojana 2025 reflects India’s commitment to inclusive development. By turning distant dreams into reality, the scheme not only brings remote cities closer to urban hubs but also creates new economic opportunities, supports regional businesses, and promotes national integration.
As India grows, so do the wings of its common citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ What is the goal of PM Udaan Yojana 2025?
To make air travel affordable for every Indian by connecting smaller towns and cities through subsidized flights.
2️⃣ Who can book tickets under the UDAN scheme?
All Indian citizens can book tickets; no special documentation is required.
3️⃣ How much does a UDAN flight ticket cost?
Flights under the scheme are capped at ₹2,500 for one hour of flying.
4️⃣ How many routes are operational under UDAN as of 2025?
Out of 774 sanctioned routes, 54 were operational by March 2023, with more being added regularly.
5️⃣ Does the government fully fund these flights?
No. Airlines receive partial subsidies (Viability Gap Funding) while operating costs are shared between the government, airlines, and state governments.
