Lucknow: Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has been conferred the national award for ‘Most Proactive State’ in the non-priority area category under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN. The recognition highlights the state’s remarkable progress in strengthening regional air connectivity, modernising airports, and expanding passenger and air cargo traffic, firmly positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading state on India’s aviation map.
The award is given to states that do not fall under the hilly or North-Eastern categories but have shown exceptional initiative and execution in implementing the UDAN scheme. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the top performer in this category due to its rapid infrastructure development and proactive policy approach.
Aviation Landscape Transformed under Yogi Government
Since assuming office, the Yogi Adityanath government has prioritised connectivity as a key driver of development. Through airport modernisation, construction of new runways, introduction of night-landing facilities, and promotion of regional flights, smaller cities of the state have been seamlessly connected with major metros across the country. Uttar Pradesh recorded the fastest progress among non-priority states in implementing the RCS–UDAN scheme.
Passenger Traffic Grows 2.6 Times
Director of Civil Aviation, Uttar Pradesh, Ishan Pratap Singh stated that the impact of these policies is clearly reflected in passenger traffic figures. In 2016, the state handled around 59.97 lakh air passengers. This number crossed 1.28 crore in 2024 and rose further to over 1.55 crore in 2025. Over the last nine years, passenger traffic has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.98 percent, indicating that air travel is becoming increasingly accessible to the common citizen, in line with the UDAN vision of “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.”
Domestic Flights Strengthen Regional Connectivity
Domestic aviation has seen the highest growth in the state. Domestic passenger numbers increased from 52.30 lakh in 2016 to over 1.16 crore in 2024 and more than 1.41 crore in 2025. This expansion has boosted trade, tourism, and employment generation. International passenger traffic also rose steadily, from 7.66 lakh in 2016 to over 12.63 lakh in 2024 and 13.37 lakh in 2025.
Fivefold Rise in Air Cargo Traffic
Air cargo has emerged as another major success story. Cargo traffic increased from 5,895 metric tonnes in 2016 to 27,998 metric tonnes in 2024 and further to 29,761 metric tonnes in 2025. With a CAGR of 17.58 percent over nine years, this growth has strengthened the state’s economy, benefiting agriculture, MSMEs, and export-oriented industries.
Jewar Airport to Boost Hub Potential
The upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, along with several regional airports, is set to play a crucial role in transforming Uttar Pradesh into a major aviation and logistics hub. The state government aims to ensure fast, safe, and affordable air connectivity for every citizen.
The ‘Most Proactive State’ award stands as a national endorsement of the Yogi government’s development-oriented vision, strong political will, and effective execution, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s position as a frontrunner in India’s aviation growth story.
