Flight Ticket: There was a time when air travel was considered the preserve of the affluent, but India’s aviation sector has undergone rapid transformation in recent years. The central government has taken several measures to connect smaller cities and towns to the air network. Launched in this direction, the ‘UDAN’ (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has provided air connectivity to many of the country’s smaller cities for the first time.
However, a common misconception regarding this scheme is that every flight ticket under it is available for just ₹2,500. However, the reality is slightly different. If you are also considering booking a ticket under the UDAN scheme, it is important to first understand its terms and conditions.
What is the UDAN scheme?
The UDAN scheme is part of the Central Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). Its objective is to connect cities and airports that previously lacked regular flight services or had very limited connectivity.
Under this scheme, efforts have been made to make air travel affordable and accessible in smaller cities, enabling ordinary citizens to fly at a lower cost. This has also fostered regional development and strengthened connectivity in the country’s remote areas.
Does every ticket cost ₹2,500?
The answer to this question is—no.
Under the UDAN scheme, not all seats on a flight are available for ₹2,500. Airlines offer only a limited number of seats at the subsidized rate, while the fares for the remaining seats are determined by standard market rates.
According to government-mandated rules, the subsidized fare applies to routes covering a distance of approximately 500 kilometers or a flight duration of about one hour. If the distance is greater, the fare may increase proportionately.
Benefits apply to a limited number of seats
The benefits of the UDAN scheme apply only to seats reserved under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). Only a fraction of the total seats on any given flight fall into this category.
This is why passengers who book their tickets early have a better chance of securing a seat at a lower price. With late bookings, the discounted seats are often sold out, requiring passengers to pay the standard fare.
Which cities benefit from the scheme?
The UDAN scheme is primarily designed to connect smaller cities and regional hubs. Several cities across the country—such as Darbhanga, Jharsuguda, Kishangarh, and Hubli—along with other regional airports, are connected under this scheme.
On the other hand, most flights operating between major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad do not fall within the scope of this scheme. Therefore, the ₹2,500 fare does not apply to every domestic flight.
Why might the final ticket price vary?
Travelers often wonder why they have to pay more than the base fare of ₹2,500 for a ticket.
In reality, the final price of the ticket may include airport fees, GST, User Development Fees, and other charges. Therefore, it is common for there to be a slight difference in the total amount displayed at the time of booking.
How do airlines avoid incurring losses?
Despite selling tickets at low prices, airline companies do not incur losses because the government provides them with financial assistance in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
The objective of this financial assistance is to maintain flight services even on routes where passenger numbers are relatively low. The cost of this assistance is shared by the central government, state governments, and other entities.
Why is the UDAN scheme important?
The UDAN scheme has placed many cities on the aviation map that were previously not directly connected to major urban centers. This has not only benefited travelers but also led to growth in tourism, trade, investment, and employment opportunities.
The scheme has proven particularly beneficial for those who were previously unable to travel by air due to a lack of time and resources.
To sum it up: under the UDAN scheme, not every ticket is priced at ₹2,500; instead, the subsidized fare applies only to specific designated seats. This facility is primarily intended for regional and short-haul routes. Therefore, before booking a ticket, it is essential to check whether the specific flight and route are covered under the UDAN scheme. By booking with the right information, you can take full advantage of this scheme and enjoy air travel at a lower cost.