UDAN bids for 43 airports, most airlines yet to agree on surcharge

Levy for up to 1,000 km of a scheduled flight will be Rs 7,500, Rs 8,000 for a 1,000-1,500-km flight

Even as uncertainty looms over the proposed levy for funding the ambitious regional connectivity project in aviation — UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)— the government says the scheme would see its first flight next month and put 43 new airports on the map.

According to sources in the aviation ministry, only state-owned Air India and private carrier AirAsia India have agreed to pay the surcharge. "They have started levying the surcharge on their air tickets. Other airlines are yet to do, as the case is sub judice (in court)," said an official.

Minister of state Jayant Sinha said the ministry was