India Launches First ‘Easy Connect’ Flight to Bring International Travel Closer to Tier-II Cities

Varanasi: India on Friday launched its first ‘Easy Connect’ international flight under a new hub-and-spoke aviation model, marking a significant step towards expanding international air connectivity from Tier-II and Tier-III cities while strengthening the country’s ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated the country’s first Easy Connect service from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, describing it as a transformative initiative that will enable passengers from smaller cities to begin their international journeys from their hometown airports.

The initiative forms part of the government’s long-term strategy to make India the preferred aviation hub for Indian travellers by 2030 and for global passengers by 2047.

International Travel Becomes Simpler

Under the new Hub-and-Spoke model, passengers travelling abroad will complete check-in, immigration and customs formalities at their originating airport, eliminating the need to repeat these procedures after arriving at major hub airports such as Delhi.

For example, travellers departing from Varanasi will complete all international departure formalities before boarding their domestic connection to Delhi, from where they will seamlessly continue their onward international journey.

The ministry said the model has been designed to provide a smoother travel experience while reducing congestion and improving passenger convenience.

Speaking at the launch, Ram Mohan Naidu said the initiative represents a major milestone in making air travel more accessible and building a globally competitive Indian aviation ecosystem.

“Our new hub-and-spoke model paves the way for a monumental shift in how our citizens travel. Regardless of the city one lives in India, one can begin their international journey from their home city and travel across the globe with ease and confidence, on India’s own wings,” the Minister said.

Boost for Regional Growth

Beyond passenger convenience, the government expects the initiative to generate significant economic benefits.

According to estimates by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the development of India as an international aviation hub could generate around 400,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute an additional US$30 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.

Looking further ahead, the cumulative economic impact by 2047 is projected to support nearly 16 million jobs while contributing approximately US$1.4 trillion to the Indian economy.

Officials said improved international connectivity is expected to accelerate tourism, trade, investment and regional economic development, particularly in emerging cities with growing business and cultural significance.

Robust Security Framework

The government said the Easy Connect model incorporates multiple operational safeguards to maintain security and passenger segregation.

Both the domestic and international segments of the journey are treated as international operations, with passengers issued separate boarding passes carrying distinct identifiers for domestic and international travel.

International passengers travelling under the scheme will not have access to customs declaration facilities at the hub airport, ensuring compliance with international aviation and customs protocols while maintaining seamless passenger movement.

Gateway to a National Rollout

The launch from Varanasi is expected to serve as a pilot for expanding Hub-and-Spoke international operations to more Tier-II and Tier-III airports across India.

The Ministry believes the model will strengthen regional connectivity while supporting the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, one of the fastest-expanding civil aviation markets in the world.

The inaugural event was attended by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Puneet Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India; Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India; along with senior officials.

For more information:

• Ministry of Civil Aviation: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/
• Airports Authority of India: https://www.aai.aero/
• Air India: https://www.airindia.com/