India plans to develop 100 new airports over the next decade under the Modified UDAN scheme. The expansion aims to improve air connectivity for underserved regions and strengthen aviation infrastructure across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, remote areas, Himalayan regions and island territories.

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• UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik and is India’s regional connectivity scheme for civil aviation.
• The scheme was launched to improve air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions through subsidised routes, airport development and viability support.
• The Modified UDAN scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026.
• The scheme focuses on expanding regional air routes along with development of airports and supporting aviation infrastructure.
• Under the modified framework, India plans to build 100 new airports over the next 10 years.
• The Central Government has provided a budgetary outlay of ₹28,840 crore for the Modified UDAN scheme for FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
• The planned airport expansion is estimated to involve an investment of around ₹30,000 crore over the next decade.
• India’s number of active airports has increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 2026, reflecting the expansion of the country’s civil aviation network.
• The growth in active airports includes construction of new facilities, terminal upgrades and expansion of operational capacity.
• The new airports are expected to support growing air travel demand from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• Special emphasis is expected on improving connectivity to Himalayan and remote regions, where transportation infrastructure can be challenging.
• Island territories are also expected to benefit from improved regional air connectivity under the expansion.
• The initiative is intended to make air travel more accessible beyond major metropolitan centres and strengthen regional economic connectivity.
• The expansion of airport infrastructure can support tourism, trade, employment and local economic development in underserved regions.