About UDAN 5.0 scheme:
- This round of the scheme focuses on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats).
- The earlier stage length cap of 600 km is waived off and there is no restriction on the distance between the origin and destination of the flight.
- Viability gap funding (VGF) to be provided will be capped at 600 km stage length for both Priority and Non-Priority areas which was earlier capped at 500 km.
- Airlines would be required to commence operations within 4 months of the award of the route. Earlier this deadline was 6 months.
Key facts about UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNaagrik)
- It is a regional airport development and "Regional Connectivity Scheme" (RCS) of the Union Government of India.
- The scheme envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through the revival of existing airstrips and airports.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
What are the Components of UDAN?
- Airports: The first component is to develop new airports and enhance the existing regional airports to increase the number of operational airports for scheduled civilian flights.
- Flight routes: The second component is to add several hundred financially viable, capped airfare, and new regional flight routes to connect more than 100 under-served and un-served airports in smaller towns by using "Viability Gap Funding" (VGF) where needed.
