Under the leadership of Yogi government, Uttar Pradesh received the Most Proactive State Award under RCS-UDAN. Record growth in passenger numbers, air cargo and regional flights made UP the national aviation hub.
Lucknow. Yogi government made connectivity the cornerstone of development in the state. Small towns were connected to big metros by modernization of airports, new runways, night landing facilities and promotion of regional flights. Uttar Pradesh recorded the fastest progress among non-priority states in effective implementation of RCS-UDAN scheme.
2.6 times increase in the number of air passengers
According to Ishan Pratap Singh, Director of Uttar Pradesh Civil Aviation, there were 59.97 lakh passengers in the state in 2016. This number will increase to more than 1.28 crore in 2024 and more than 1.55 crore in 2025. Passenger traffic has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.98% in the last nine years. This proves that air travel is becoming more accessible to the common citizen and the goal of ‘Udaan’ scheme is being achieved.
Regional connectivity strengthened by domestic flights
The highest growth was recorded in domestic flights. There were 52.30 lakh domestic passengers in 2016, which will increase to more than 1.16 crore in 2024 and more than 1.41 crore in 2025. This brought huge benefits to business, tourism and employment. The number of international passengers is also expected to increase from 7.66 lakh (2016) to more than 13.37 lakh in 2025.
Five times increase in air cargo
Uttar Pradesh also made rapid progress in the field of air cargo. Air cargo was 5,895 metric tons in 2016, rising to 27,998 metric tons in 2024 and 29,761 metric tons in 2025. The growth of 17.58% CAGR in nine years gave a strong platform to agriculture, MSME and export industries.
Direction of becoming Jewar airport and aviation hub
New regional airports including Noida International Airport (Jewar) are playing an important role in making Uttar Pradesh a major aviation and logistics hub of the country. The government aims to provide fast, secure and affordable air connectivity to every citizen. The ‘Most Proactive State’ award is a national recognition of this vision.