30 airports to become operational in the Northeast to boost tourism

Bids are being invited under the UDAN scheme to build around 30 airports operational to boost tourism activities in Northeast India. Latest reports state that the Centre, under the fourth round of regional air connectivity UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, is inviting bids from companies to provide air services to six underserved and 24 unserved airports.

Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the ministry has also recognised one water aerodrome location, which is up for bidding in the region. It is expected that this move will not only promote tourism in this region but will also help transform the economic situation around.
Reports further suggest that the Ministry, under UDAN 4 scheme, is providing additional Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of around 25 per cent extra to airlines. In fact, the Centre will bear around 90 per cent of VGF and the remaining 10 per cent will be borne by state governments.
Recently, the Centre invited bids for UDAN scheme with a focus on priority areas like the northeastern states, the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and islands. Referring to this development, the MoCA stated that it is aiming to operationalise around 1000 routes and more than 100 airports in the next five years, which can be achieved by focusing on operationalising routes in priority areas.
Also, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would focus on the no-frills airports and routes, which connect such airports would be prioritised for the VGF award. This will incentivise the market to develop short-haul routes, thereby providing connectivity to nearby airports.