Modified UDAN scheme will make air travel more affordable, says Vijayawada Airport Director

The Union Cabinet’s approval of the Modified Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN-(RCS) will make air travel more accessible, affordable and inclusive for citizens in the country, said Vijayawada International Airport Director M. Lakshmi Kantha Reddy.

Addressing the media on the airport premises in Gannavaram on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), Mr. Reddy said the Viability Gap Funding support has been extended from 3 to 5 years, which will help smaller airports like Kurnool and Kadapa in the State achieve commercial viability.

Under the scheme, there will be a provision of operation and maintenance support for aerodromes for three years to address manpower costs and ensure operational sustainability, which will also help the two airports significantly, the Director said.

The scheme is not intended to support larger airports, and therefore, Vijayawada is not expected to receive much benefits from it.