The government inaugurated Hub and Spoke international flight operations from Amritsar, marking it as the second airport, after Varanasi, to join the innovative ‘Hub & Spoke’ framework for international passenger movement. Previously, Amritsar had direct international connectivity to only seven destinations. However, with the new model, passengers can now access over 20 international destinations with a single check-in and baggage tag, streamlining their journey.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned that this integrated system will significantly ease travel for passengers. Currently, around 1.5 lakh passengers travel from Amritsar to Delhi annually to catch international flights, while another 1.5 lakh passengers arrive in Amritsar from overseas via Delhi.
The launch of the Hub & Spoke model allows international passengers to complete check-in, immigration, and customs formalities at Amritsar before departure. Their baggage will be checked through to the final international destination, enabling a seamless transfer at the designated hub airport for onward international flights without the need for additional immigration or customs procedures.
The recent launch follows the successful start of India’s first Hub & Spoke operations from Varanasi on June 25. Passengers originating from Varanasi have been seamlessly connected through Delhi to 18 international destinations over the past month, showcasing the initiative’s effectiveness in simplifying international travel.
Amritsar is set to become a significant international gateway for Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, with Delhi serving as the hub. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu highlighted Amritsar’s potential to benefit from enhanced global connectivity due to its strong diaspora connections and vast regional catchment.
The initiative not only enhances passenger experience but is also expected to bring broader economic benefits by boosting tourism, trade, investment, and regional development. Studies by the Ministry suggest that the development of aviation hub operations could create nearly 0.4 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute an additional $30 billion to India’s economy by 2030. By 2047, the cumulative impact is projected to support around 16 million direct and indirect jobs, contributing nearly USD 1.4 trillion to the national economy.
