Lok Sabha Question No. 3426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-20
Subject: National Civil Aviation Policy
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3426 (To be answered on the 20 th  March 2025)

## NATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION POLICY

## 3426. SHRI MUKESHKUMAR CHANDRAKAANT DALAL

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) was launched in 2016 to promote the aviation sector and enhance regional air connectivity and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  key  objectives  and  provisions  of  NCAP,  including  its  focus  on passenger traffic growth, infrastructure development and cost reduction; (c) the steps taken by the Government to establish India as a global aviation hub and promote the National Air Cargo Policy till March 2025 under NCAP; (d) the achievements and challenges faced in implementing NCAP since its inception in 2016; and
- (e) the future initiatives proposed under NCAP to further strengthen aviation sector and regional connectivity in the country?

## ANSWER

## Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) & (b) The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP-2016) was launched to create an ecosystem, make flying affordable to masses,  increase passenger traffic growth and to provide safe, secure, affordable & sustainable air travel. The NCAP-16, inter alia seeks to enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support & infrastructure development.
- (c)   During the implementation phase of NCAP-2016, India's aviation sector has  experienced  significant  growth.  The  share  of  Indian  carriers  in international flight operations has increased from 36% in 2019 to 47% in 2024. Prior to implementation of NCAP-16 Indian carriers had direct routes to 25 countries in 2014 which has expanded to 35 countries. Additionally, the total number of aircraft for scheduled operations has risen from 400 in 2014 to 834 as of December 31, 2024, with major airline orders indicating further expansion. By maintaining supportive policies for Indian carriers, India has

paved the way to secure strategic international routes essential for the development of  Global aviation hubs. (d) & (e) The UDAN Scheme envisaged in National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 provides connectivity to un-served and underserved airports of the country through revival of existing air strips and airports. Under the Scheme, 625 RCS routes connecting 88 unserved and underserved airports, including 13 heliports and 2 water aerodromes have been operationalized so far. Total domestic passengers travelled through RCS-UDAN are more than 149 lakhs connecting 2.97 Lakh RCS flights. Helicopters operations have been promoted under the UDAN Scheme. Further, to create an enabling ecosystem for safe, efficient and sustainable Seaplane Operations across the country, revised Guidelines have also been issued. The  NCAP-2016  eventually  seeks  to  promote  regional  connectivity, infrastructure development, cost efficient functionality without compromising on safety, and efficiency. Further future tariff at all airports to be on Hybrid Till  basis.  NCAP-2016, MoCA, seeks to explore the ways to unlock the potential of land allocated for commercial use at Airport by liberalizing end use restrictions for existing & future Greenfield & Brownfield airports. NCAP-2016 provides for future concessions/development of airports to ensure a minimum level and standard of cargo facility at airport. In addition to this under NCAP-2016, provision for adequate land for MRO service providers is required in all future airport/heliport project depending on potential for such MRO service. The government has recently modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and to cater to 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years will be launched. The Scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and north-east region districts.

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