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Air India today welcomed the Government of India’s push to operationalise the hub-and-spoke aviation model and announced that it is preparing to launch international connectivity from Varanasi under this model.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “This is a transformative step for Indian aviation. We would like to thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his vision, to make India a global aviation hub and develop the entire aviation ecosystem. The hub-and-spoke model will not only strengthen connectivity but also ensure optimal use of airport infrastructure developed across the country. We thank the Minister of Civil aviation for championing the entire Hub and Spoke model which will create a strong multiplier effect and act as a catalyst for India’s broader growth.”

Mr. Wilson thanked the Civil Aviation Secretary for playing a key role by engaging closely with all stakeholders such as airlines, airports, government agencies to ensure that operational readiness, passenger convenience and security considerations were addressed holistically as the model moves towards implementation.

As part of its network expansion and in alignment with the hub and spoke model, Air India is preparing to launch international connectivity from Varanasi, strengthening the city’s linkages with global destinations and enhancing access for passengers from surrounding regions.

P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs, Air India, said: “The introduction of international hub-and-spoke connectivity from Varanasi underscores our focus on expanding India’s global aviation footprint beyond metros. It will provide tremendous boost to international travellers from India’s Tier 2 and tier 3 cities by cutting down travel time, while making travel seamless and convenient.”

The hub-and-spoke model marks a fundamental shift in India’s aviation landscape - from a predominantly end destination market to a global transit ecosystem. It will help airlines optimise aircraft utilisation and contribute to decongestion at major airports by decentralising passenger processing, including customs and immigration, across spoke locations.

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One of the sources said Air India is expected to start trial H&S flights from Varanasi airport from June 1. Passengers will take a flight from Varanasi to Delhi and then another flight to London.
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"Immigration and Customs clearance to the passengers would be carried out at the first port of departure and last port of arrival with airside baggage transfer at hub airport," the SOP, dated April 27, said.
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As per the SOP, DigiYatra enrolment will be compulsory for Indian nationals travelling on the 'I' leg of the H&S flights.
Also, web check-in and issuance of e-boarding passes will not be available for D-I passengers on H&S flights.
Passengers using H&S flights will be getting two boarding passes with 'I' and 'D' indicators to ensure easy identification and segregation of international and domestic traffic.

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