People of Northern Assam benefit from Lilabari Airport in Lakhimpur under UDAN scheme

Lakhimpur (Assam) [India], October 20 (ANI): After the launch of the UDAN scheme, the people of Northern Assam have benefited from Lilabari Airport in the Lakhimpur district.
Vijender Yadav, Airport Manager (ATC), ATC In-charge told ANI that, the infrastructure of Lilabari Airport is being developed in parallel.
Yadav said, "We have increased 6000 passengers this year. Last year we handled 33000 passengers. This year we have crossed 39000 passengers. Lilabari Airport caters to more than 1,100 flights this year. The loans of PM UDAN scheme has significantly benefitted Lilabari Airport in Assam by enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic development. This scheme is aimed at making air travel affordable to smaller towns like Lilabari."
He further said that this has boosted tourism in Lilabari and reduced travel time.
"This has improved the operational capacity of under-utilised airports like Lilabari. UDAN scheme has transformed Lilabari airport into a crucial regional hub stimulating economic activities and improving the quality of life through affordable air travel and facilitating growth in tourism and commerce. We have also increased the sitting capacity of the airport terminal," he added.
Lilabari Airport in the Lakhimpur district has been providing air travel facilities to a large number of passengers under the UDAN scheme announced by the Union Government like other airports in the North East.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation's flagship programme Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was initiated in October 2016 with the objective of fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizen, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.
The government has approved the 'Revival of unserved and under-served airports' scheme for the revival and development of 100 unserved and under-served airports, helipads and water aerodromes by 2024.
It is an ongoing scheme where bidding rounds are conducted from time to time to cover more destinations or stations and routes.
UDAN is a self-financing scheme. A viability gap funding worth Rs 2,355 crore has been released to selected airline operators so far for the operation of UDAN flights. (ANI)