Photo: Air India Air India today, April 29, 2026, congratulated the authorities on their push to make the hub-and-spoke aviation model operational, while announcing plans to launch global connectivity from Varanasi.
Campbell Wilson, Air India's Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India: “This is a transformative step for Indian aviation. The hub-and-spoke model will not only strengthen connectivity but also ensure optimal use of airport infrastructure developed across the country. "
Wilson also thanked the Civil Aviation Secretary for playing a key role in ensuring "operational readiness, passenger convenience and security considerations".
In line with its plans to grow its network and start using the new model, the airline will introduce international connectivity from Varanasi, improving the city’s ties with global destinations while considerably boosting access for passengers from surrounding regions.
P. Balaji, Group Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs, Air India: “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 travelers 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 is regarded as a fundamental shift in the country's aviation landscape, as it will assist airlines with using their aircraft better while decongesting major airports "by decentralizing passenger processing, including customs and immigration, across spoke locations."