Government Plans 44 Airports Under Hub-and-Spoke Model

The Central Government has planned a network of 44 airports under the Hub-and-Spoke model, with 4 hub airports and 40 spoke airports. The model is designed to connect Tier-II and Tier-III cities with international destinations through major hub airports in India.

Hub-and-Spoke Model in Aviation

The Hub-and-Spoke model is an air transport network in which passengers travel from smaller spoke airports to a larger hub airport before taking international or long-haul flights. Delhi has been identified as a central hub airport in the present plan, while Varanasi and Amritsar have been designated as initial spoke airports. In aviation, a hub airport usually handles higher passenger volumes, more flight connections, and transfer traffic than a spoke airport. The model is used by airlines to consolidate routes and improve connectivity across multiple destinations.

Easy Connect Services and Airport Formalities

Air India launched the first Easy Connect flight under this model from Varanasi on 25 June 2026. The airline also began inbound and outbound Easy Connect services from Amritsar on 28 July 2026, linking passengers to 27 international destinations via Delhi. Under the Easy Connect system, passengers can complete through check-in and immigration formalities at the origin spoke airport. This arrangement allows baggage transfer and terminal changes to be handled through the network without re-checking baggage at the hub airport.

Expansion of Airport and Heliport Network

Ahmedabad is planned as the next spoke airport in the Hub-and-Spoke network. Services from Goa and Kochi are also under development for inclusion in the same framework. The Civil Aviation Minister, K. Rammohan Naidu, stated on 23 July 2026 that the government intends to develop 100 airports and 200 heliports over the next 10 years under the broader Vision 2047 strategy.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Hub-and-Spoke model is widely used in civil aviation for route consolidation and transfer-based connectivity.
• Delhi is the central hub airport in the current Indian plan for international connectivity.
• Varanasi and Amritsar are the first spoke airports linked to the Easy Connect system.
• Vision 2047 is linked to long-term civil aviation expansion in India, including airports and heliports.

Air Connectivity and Network Planning

India’s airport expansion plan includes 44 airports under the Hub-and-Spoke structure, with 4 hubs and 40 spokes. The network is intended to support international air connectivity from smaller cities through major aviation centres.