Modi's UDAN Scheme: Empty Airports, Failed Routes & Unanswered Questions

*Modi's UDAN Scheme: Empty Airports, Failed Routes & Unanswered Questions* India's aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, with domestic passenger traffic rising from *614 lakh in 2014 to nearly 1,670 lakh in 2025**. Yet behind this impressive growth story lies a very different reality. In this episode, we investigate the economics of the **UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)* scheme and ask whether India's flagship regional connectivity programme has delivered on its promise. Using official data from the **Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Rajya Sabha replies, and industry reports**, we examine why **333 of the 669 UDAN routes launched since 2017 are no longer operational**. We also analyse the financial health of India's aviation sector, including the profitability challenges faced by **Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air**, and why regional airlines have struggled to survive despite government support. The episode explores the structural weaknesses of the original UDAN scheme, including the three-year subsidy model, fragile regional airlines, poor network design and weak passenger demand. We also examine the government's new *Modified UDAN (Viksit UDAN)* programme with an outlay of **₹28,840 crore**, and ask whether extending subsidies can solve problems rooted in economics. Finally, we present the case studies of *Kushinagar* and *Kalaburagi* airports, raising important governance questions about feasibility studies, commercially unviable airports and the role of land value appreciation around greenfield infrastructure projects. The episode does not make allegations, but asks whether greater transparency and independent scrutiny are needed. If you enjoy data-driven, evidence-based analysis of public policy, economics and governance, please *Like, Share and Subscribe* to *What Does This Data Say (WDTDS)* and join the conversation in the comments. #udanscheme #indianaviation #modigovernment #publicpolicy #infrastructure