India's Airport Boom: 164 Airports by 2026, UDAN Scheme Fuels Growth

• India's airport network expanded from 74 in 2014 to 164 by 2026, largely due to the UDAN scheme.
• The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016, has democratized air travel, connecting smaller towns and cities.
• Jewar Airport in Noida is set to be inaugurated on March 28, 2026, enhancing NCR connectivity and economic impact.
• The UDAN scheme has 625 operational routes connecting 90 airports, with over 1.49 crore passengers flown.
• Government plans to add 50 new airports in 5 years and aims for 400 airports by 2047 to boost economic growth and integration.