India’s airport network has expanded significantly from 74 airports in 2014 to 160 airports today under the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN. The scheme was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible, connecting unserved and underserved regions. Replying to supplementraies during Question Hour in Lok Sabha today, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu said the government has successfully transformed existing airstrips into operational aviation hubs under the UDAN Scheme. He said the government is also supporting helicopter operations across the country, especially in states like the North East and Uttarakhand, through this scheme. Mr Naidu said the UDAN scheme will be extended for another ten years.