National 02 September 2026
UDAN Scheme: 100 New Airports; Ahmedabad 3rd Hub & Spoke
Why in the News?
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu announced the development of 100 new airports over the next 10 years at an outlay of ₹30,000 crore under the UDAN scheme, while launching India's 3rd 'Hub and Spoke' service at Ahmedabad Airport.
Key Features / Major Points:
3rd Hub & Spoke Airport: Ahmedabad (Gujarat) has become the 3rd airport in India to operationalize this service, following Varanasi and Amritsar.
Hub & Spoke Model: A aviation network model where passengers from smaller regional airports (spokes) are seamlessly routed through a major central airport (hub) to connect to international destinations.
Airport Network Growth: The total number of operational airports in India has grown from 74 in 2014 to 166.
Revised UDAN Budget: The Union Cabinet approved a outlay of ₹28,840 crore to extend the regional connectivity scheme from FY 2026-27 to 2035-36.
Static GK Facts:
UDAN Scheme: Launched in 2016 | Full Form: Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (Initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for regional air connectivity).
India's 1st 'Hub & Spoke' Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).
Ministry of Civil Aviation: Headquarters: New Delhi.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which airport recently became India's 3rd 'Hub and Spoke' service operational airport under the UDAN scheme?
A: Ahmedabad Airport
Q: In which year was the regional connectivity scheme 'UDAN' launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation?
A: 2016
Q: Which was the first airport in India to introduce the 'Hub and Spoke' service model?
A: Varanasi Airport