AMRITSAR— Air India (AI) is preparing to introduce hub-and-spoke connectivity from Amritsar Airport (ATQ), allowing passengers to complete check-in at their origin and transfer through Delhi Airport (DEL) for a smoother international travel experience.
The initiative forms part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to strengthen aviation hubs and improve access to global destinations from smaller cities across the country.
The new service is expected to simplify travel for passengers flying internationally via Delhi by reducing procedural hurdles during transfers.
Air India said earlier that it plans to connect more Tier-II and Tier-III cities with its major hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, making long-haul travel more accessible while improving network efficiency.
Air India Hub Connectivity Expansion Plan
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) announced that Amritsar will soon become part of the country’s expanding hub-and-spoke model, following the successful inauguration of the program at Varanasi on June 25, 2026.
Under the system, travelers departing from Amritsar will be able to check in once, complete streamlined baggage processing, and enjoy a more seamless connection through Delhi for international flights.
The model is designed to reduce transit complexity, particularly for passengers connecting to long-haul destinations.
Instead of undergoing multiple airport procedures, eligible travelers will experience a more integrated transfer process, improving convenience and reducing overall travel time.
The civil aviation ministry has identified hub development as a major priority to strengthen India’s aviation network.
By linking regional cities with major international gateways, authorities aim to improve connectivity while encouraging greater passenger traffic through Indian hubs rather than overseas transit airports.
For Air India, the strategy aligns with its long-term network expansion plans.
The airline has repeatedly stated that strengthening domestic feeder services will support the growth of its international operations and make overseas travel more accessible for travelers outside India’s largest metropolitan areas.
Amritsar Network Connectivity Boost
Amritsar already serves as one of northern India’s important international gateways, particularly for the large Punjabi diaspora living abroad. The airport currently operates direct international flights to Dubai, Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, London, and Birmingham.
The city also generates substantial connecting traffic for destinations in Canada, Australia, Europe, and other international markets through Delhi.
The new hub-and-spoke operation is expected to make these connections more efficient by simplifying airport formalities for passengers beginning their journey in Amritsar.
Despite its international significance, Amritsar Airport handled approximately 997,000 international passengers during the last financial year, representing a 13.5% decline compared with FY25, The Hindu Businessline reported.
Improved connectivity could help strengthen passenger demand by offering a more convenient travel experience for residents across Punjab and neighboring regions.
Expansion Strategy: Regional Connectivity
Air India’s management has consistently emphasized the importance of extending international access beyond India’s largest cities. The carrier plans to progressively connect additional domestic destinations with its major hubs using “easy connect” flights.
Cities identified for future integration include Ahmedabad, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Patna, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam.
The addition of Amritsar further expands this strategy and reflects the airline’s focus on building a stronger domestic feeder network.
The hub-and-spoke model also supports India’s ambition to develop world-class aviation hubs capable of handling growing international traffic.
By integrating regional airports into a unified network, authorities hope to improve passenger convenience, strengthen airline operations, and support continued growth in the country’s aviation sector.
As Air India continues modernizing its network, the introduction of seamless hub connectivity from Amritsar represents another step toward creating a more efficient travel experience for international passengers while reinforcing Delhi’s role as one of India’s primary global gateways.
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