Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday launched hub-and-spoke international flight operations at Ahmedabad airport, making it the third airport in India, after Amritsar and Varanasi, to be integrated into the country’s hub-and-spoke network for international passenger traffic.
The system, facilitated by the Civil Aviation Ministry, is aimed at providing smoother international connectivity to passengers travelling from smaller cities through designated hub airports. The ministry plans to bring 44 airports across the country under the hub-and-spoke model.
How the hub-and-spoke system works
Under the model, passengers travelling from smaller airports, or “spokes”, can complete international travel formalities at their originating airport before flying to a designated “hub”. From there, they can directly board connecting international or long-haul flights.
The system is expected to reduce travel time and inconvenience for passengers while helping airlines lower operational costs.
Key features
- Baggage screening and formalities: Passenger baggage screening, customs and immigration procedures will be completed at the originating airport.
- No repeat screening: At the hub airport, passengers will not need to undergo security checks or check in again. They can proceed directly to the international departure area.
- Automated baggage transfer: Airlines will transfer baggage to the connecting flight at the hub, eliminating the need for passengers to collect and re-check their luggage.
- Lower airline costs: Airlines will not need to operate direct international flights from every smaller city, helping reduce operational expenses.
Boost to international connectivity
The hub-and-spoke model is expected to save passengers time by reducing queues, repeated check-in procedures and immigration formalities at major airports.
It could also help ease congestion at large airport terminals by reducing repeated screening and baggage-processing requirements.
Widely used at major international aviation hubs, the system is being seen as an important step towards improving India’s international air connectivity and strengthening the country’s position as a global aviation hub.