Government Eyes 44 Airports in Hub-and-Spoke Push to Boost Regional Connectivity

The Centre plans to create a hub-and-spoke aviation network with 44 airports, including 4 hub airports and 40 spoke airports, as per The Economic Times news report.  

Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the network is intended to improve international connectivity by linking passengers from smaller cities with overseas flights through major airports.  

Delhi is currently the only hub airport, while Varanasi and Amritsar are the two airports operating as spokes. 

Amritsar Joins the Network 

Air India has started hub-and-spoke operations from Amritsar, making it the second spoke airport after Varanasi. Ahmedabad will be the next city to join the network, while similar services are planned from Goa, Kochi, and other locations.  

From Amritsar, the airline will operate two daily flights that connect with international services departing from Delhi. 

New Transit Process Introduced 

Passengers travelling under Air India's Easy Connect service can complete baggage check-in and immigration at the airport where their journey begins.  

On reaching Delhi, they can board their international flight without collecting checked baggage or completing the formalities again. The first service under this arrangement was launched from Varanasi on June 25, 2026. 

Connections Through Delhi 

The Amritsar service provides access to 27 international destinations through Delhi. These include cities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, West Asia and Southeast Asia.  

According to the airline, passengers travelling on eligible itineraries can check in once for the entire journey, with baggage transferred directly to the final destination. 

Broader Aviation Expansion 

At the launch event, Samir Kumar Sinha said the hub-and-spoke model is part of the government's efforts to strengthen international air links.  

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, in a recorded address, said the government is also working towards developing 100 airports and 200 heliports over the next 10 years. Additional spoke airports are expected to be added in phases. 

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Conclusion 

The rollout of the hub-and-spoke model is continuing with additional airports planned across the country. The initiative aims to connect more regional cities with international destinations through hub airports. 

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