By Sangeeta Saxena
- A UDAN Success Story: Marks Three Years of Transformative Regional Aviation
- Small Airport, Big Impact
New Delhi. 14 November 2025. Regional aviation and last-mile connectivity are vital pillars of India’s socioeconomic transformation, bridging the gap between remote districts and the nation’s major economic centres. By enabling faster, safer, and more reliable access to healthcare, education, tourism, trade, and governance, regional air services act as catalysts for inclusive growth—especially in regions underserved by rail or road. Small aircraft operations under schemes like UDAN have proven that aviation is not just a mode of transport, but a lifeline that unlocks opportunity for communities long left on the margins.
Jeypore Airport in Odisha has completed three years of licensed operations, marking a significant milestone in India’s regional aviation landscape. As one of the earliest small airports to maintain continuous UDAN-RCS services through IndiaOne Air, Jeypore stands out as a model for efficient and sustainable airport development.
This achievement is rooted in the visionary leadership of Mrs. Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, who championed a collaborative framework between the State Airport Management team and IndiaOne Air. The joint approach enabled prompt licensing, streamlined approvals, and operational readiness in record time — creating a blueprint now referenced across regional airports nationwide.
A key contributor to this model has been a senior aviation expert associated with IndiaOne Air and the State Advisory Board since the project’s inception, helping shape operational strategies that have strengthened regional air connectivity.
As Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns integrate more seamlessly into national and global networks, regional aviation fuels entrepreneurship, strengthens supply chains, reduces travel time drastically, and empowers citizens with access and mobility. Ultimately, last-mile air connectivity is about democratising the skies—ensuring that development reaches every corner of the country, and that mobility becomes a right, not a privilege.
The success of Jeypore Airport aligns closely with the Central Government’s vision under the UDAN-RCS scheme, demonstrating how targeted state support for small aircraft operations can spur economic growth, accessibility and social inclusion.
Adding further momentum, MoCA and DGCA recently introduced progressive regulatory reforms that permit scheduled operations of aircraft under 20 seats at airports even without full ATC towers, subject to operational authorisation. This breakthrough is expected to open many more small towns to regular commercial air services.
Industry experts urge other state governments to emulate Odisha’s model by supporting small aircraft schemes, bolstering basic infrastructure, and encouraging regional aviation initiatives that empower communities.
The Jeypore success story is a shining example of India’s commitment to the mission:
“Hawai Chappal to Hawai Jahaaz” — taking New Wings of Bharat to every corner of the nation.
