Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: UDAN, aimed at improving air connectivity for smaller cities, is facing turbulence as 225 out of 479 RCS routes have ceased operations.
Issues with the UDAN Scheme:
| Issues | Examples |
| Route Closures | 225 out of 479 RCS routes have ceased operations. |
| Examples: 128 routes shut down before completing the mandatory three-year period, and 97 routes shut down after completing the three-year period. | |
| Commercial Unviability | Airlines found 70 routes to be commercially unviable despite the subsidy. SpiceJet operates only 20 out of 74 routes awarded to it under the scheme. |
| Airport Readiness | Airlines cite a lack of readiness in some airports as a reason for not operating certain routes. Examples: Thanjavur, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Ayodhya airports were not ready for operations. |
| Non-compliance by Airlines | Some routes were cancelled due to non-compliance by
the airline operators. Example: Air Deccan and Air Odisha shut down leading to route cancellations. |
| Financial Challenges | Airlines struggling to establish markets due to low
passenger demand. Example: SpiceJet’s attempt to establish markets on certain routes faced low passenger demand. |
| Inadequate Airport Infrastructure | The lack of proper infrastructure at certain airports
hindered operations. Example: Airports like Thanjavur, Moradabad, Saharanpur and Ayodhya were not ready for operations. |
