Maharashtra invites bids for Navi Mumbai-Sindhudurg UDAN flights

Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has invited airlines to operate direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Sindhudurg’s Chipi Airport under the UDAN regional-connectivity scheme.

The proposed 374km Navi Mumbai-to-Sindhudurg service would have a fare cap of ₹3,580. The 388km return journey would be capped at ₹3,735.

The state has offered 100% viability-gap funding for 50% of seats on aircraft with 40 to 80 seats, and for 38 seats on aircraft with more than 80 seats. The support is capped at ₹6,370 per seat. MADC will select airlines based on the lowest viability-gap funding sought per seat.

The selected operator would manage ground services, ticketing and passenger processing. An aircraft grounded for more than two consecutive operational days, without a replacement within 15 days, can attract a penalty of ₹1 lakh a day.

Operators that do not maintain 75% passenger turnout for two consecutive months could face reduced funding or termination of the agreement. The route has been attempted previously but did not sustain unassisted commercial operations.