Stakeholder perspectives on the challenges to successful implementation and continuation of India's regional connectivity scheme- UDAN

This study evaluates the implementation and continuation challenges of India's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, an acronym for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik in Hindi, meaning “Let the common citizen fly”, through an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) involving 31 experts from airlines, airports, regulators, and travel agencies. It aims to analyse: (i) which factors stakeholders perceive as most critical for UDAN's performance, and (ii) how these priorities differ across stakeholder groups. Four constructs, regulatory efficiency, infrastructure readiness, viability gap funding adequacy, and coordination quality, were assessed through group-specific AHP models. The results show distinct priority patterns: airlines emphasise urban integration and accessibility, airports highlight inadequate infrastructure and connectivity, regulators prioritise asset readiness for aviation operations, and travel agents stress collaboration between airlines, agencies, and local governments. Based on these findings, this study recommends: establish predictable VGF disbursement and invest in regional aircraft and decentralised MRO facilities for airlines; undertake targeted infrastructure upgrades and develop ancillary revenue streams for airports; clarify state and central government responsibilities and streamline approvals for regulators; and institutionalise inter-agency coordination across all stakeholders. These actionable recommendations provide policymakers, including the Airports Authority of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and state governments, with evidence-based priorities for strengthening UDAN's long-term viability.