Hub-and-Spoke International Flight Operations Launched at Ahmedabad Airport

Ahmedabad: 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 the country, after Amritsar and Varanasi, to be integrated into India’s hub-and-spoke infrastructure for international passenger traffic.

The system, facilitated by the Civil Aviation Ministry, aims to provide seamless international connectivity to passengers travelling from smaller cities through designated hub airports. The ministry plans to develop a total of 44 airports across the country under the hub-and-spoke model.

How the Hub-and-Spoke System Works

Under the system, passengers from smaller airports, or “spokes”, can complete the required formalities for international travel at their initial airport before travelling to a larger “hub” airport. From there, they can transfer directly to connecting international or long-haul flights.

The system is expected to reduce travel time and inconvenience for passengers while also helping airlines lower their operating costs.

Key Facilities Under the System

Baggage screening: Passenger baggage screening, customs and immigration formalities will be completed at the initial airport.

No re-screening: After arriving at the hub airport, passengers will not have to undergo security screening or check in again. They can proceed directly to the international departure area for their connecting flight.

Automated baggage transfer: The airline will transfer passengers’ baggage at the hub airport to the connecting flight. Passengers will not have to collect their baggage or check in again.

Lower airline operating costs: Airlines will not need to operate direct international flights from every smaller city, helping reduce operational costs.

Why the System Is Important

The hub-and-spoke model is expected to save passengers time and reduce the hassle of long queues, re-check-in procedures and immigration formalities at major airports while catching connecting international flights.

It will also help ease congestion at major airport terminals by reducing the need for passengers and baggage to undergo repeated screening and processing.

The system follows a model widely used at international aviation hubs and is seen as an important step towards strengthening India’s international air connectivity and developing global aviation hubs. DeshGujarat