Regional air travel has become significantly cheaper under the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, with base fares on some routes as low as Rs 150.
An analysis by travel portal ixigo revealed at least 22 routes where base fares are below Rs 1,000. The cheapest route is Lilabari-Tezpur in Assam, with a base fare of Rs 150 for a 50-minute flight operated by Alliance Air.
The UDAN scheme provides incentives for airlines operating on regional routes, including waivers on landing and parking charges. This has led to a surge in affordable air connectivity, particularly in the North East.
While booking a ticket, passengers should be aware that convenience fees will be added to the base fare.
Other routes with low base fares include Bangalore-Salem, Cochin-Salem, Guwahati-Shillong (Rs 400), Imphal-Aizawl, Dimapur-Shillong, Shillong-Lilabari (Rs 500), and Bangalore-Salem (Rs 525).
For routes with lower passenger demand and existing ground transportation options exceeding five hours, base fares are slightly higher. This includes Guwahati-Pasighat (Rs 999) and Lilabari-Guwahati (Rs 954).
As of March 31, 2024, a total of 559 routes have been operationalized under the UDAN scheme, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Launched in October 2016, UDAN aims to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible for the common man.
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