Fly For As Low As Rs 150 On Regional Connectivity Scheme Routes?

Travel enthusiasts and budget-conscious flyers have a reason to rejoice as travel portal Ixigo unveils an array of pocket-friendly flight routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). Offering unprecedented affordability, flyers can now embark on journeys for as little as Rs 150 on select routes, redefining the accessibility of air travel across India.

According to ixigo's analysis shared with PTI, a total of 22 routes boast base airfares less than Rs 1,000 per person, with the most economical fare standing at an astonishingly low Rs 150 for flights linking Lilabari to Tezpur in Assam. These flights, operated by Alliance Air, present a remarkable opportunity for travellers to traverse distances at minimal cost.

The Regional Connectivity Scheme, popularly known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), aims to bolster regional air connectivity and democratise air travel by incentivizing airline operators to service underserved routes. As a result, routes spanning the North East and extending to regions like Bangalore-Salem and Cochin-Salem witness base ticket prices within the Rs 150 to Rs 199 range, making air travel more accessible to a wider demographic.

Notably, flights between Guwahati and Shillong offer a base ticket price of Rs 400, while routes such as Imphal-Aizawl, Dimapur-Shillong, and Shillong-Lilabari are priced at Rs 500. In the case of the Bangalore-Salem route, the base ticket price stands at Rs 525, catering to travellers seeking affordable alternatives to conventional transportation methods.

The implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme has led to the operationalisation of 559 routes as of March 31, 2024, according to the latest update from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). These routes benefit from various incentives extended by the central government, state governments, and airport operators, including exemptions from landing and parking charges, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of air travel.

Industry executives attribute the low base airfares on certain routes to factors such as low demand and the availability of alternative transportation options, which often require longer travel times exceeding five hours. However, the introduction of budget-friendly flights under UDAN presents a compelling case for travellers to opt for air travel, revolutionising the accessibility and affordability of regional connectivity.

Launched by the civil aviation ministry on October 21, 2016, UDAN continues to fulfil its objective of stimulating regional air connectivity and democratising air travel across India. With Ixigo's analysis shedding light on the plethora of economical flight options available, travellers can now explore destinations at unprecedented affordability, ushering in a new era of accessible air travel for all.

PTI Inputs