Air Ayodhya to Boost UP Connectivity Under UDAN Scheme
Air Ayodhya receives MoCA NOC to boost regional connectivity in Uttar Pradesh via the UDAN scheme.
In a significant move for regional aviation in North India, Megamax Aviation Private Limited has secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation for its new airline, Air Ayodhya. This regulatory milestone paves the way for the airline to operate under the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme - UDAN, specifically targeting underserved regions in Uttar Pradesh.
Bridging the Gap in Uttar Pradesh
Air Ayodhya is set to transform travel dynamics across the state by linking tier-2 and tier-3 towns, major pilgrimage centers, and key tourism destinations. The airline's primary mission is to connect these smaller hubs with larger aviation centers, making air travel a viable and practical option for local residents.
Currently, many locations within Uttar Pradesh possess functional airports or airstrips but lack scheduled flight services. Air Ayodhya aims to fill this void, bringing scheduled connectivity to areas that have long been overlooked by mainstream carriers.
Fleet Expansion and Operational Roadmap
The airline's journey toward commercial takeoff involves several strategic steps:
- Regulatory Compliance: Following the receipt of the NOC, the airline will now initiate the certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
- Initial Fleet: Operations will commence with brand-new Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft. The first of these planes is expected to be delivered in December 2026.
- Future Scaling: As demand grows and routes stabilize, the airline plans to induct 19-seater aircraft, eventually moving toward larger turboprop planes for high-demand sectors.
A Vision for Regional Growth
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Megamax Group, highlighted the importance of this development for the state's infrastructure and economy. He noted that the airline is built in the true spirit of the UDAN scheme, aiming to turn air travel into a practical choice for people in smaller towns.
"Receiving the NOC is an important step in our journey to make air travel a practical choice for people in Uttar Pradesh’s smaller towns," Singh stated, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Uttar Pradesh for their ongoing support.