‘The hub-and-spoke model marks a pivot from India being a mere “end destination” to becoming a “global transit ecosystem’
NEW DELHI
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson threw his full weight behind the government’s new “hub-and-spoke” aviation strategy, calling it a “transformative step” that will finally position India as a global transit powerhouse.
Coinciding with the announcement, the Tata-owned carrier revealed plans to launch new international routes from Varanasi, signaling a major push to connect Tier-2 cities directly to the world.
The hub-and-spoke model marks a pivot from India being a mere “end destination” to becoming a “global transit ecosystem.” Currently, about 35% of international passengers from India transit through foreign hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or London. The government’s goal is to recapture that traffic by turning major domestic airports into world-class transit points.
Campbell Wilson praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, noting that the development of a comprehensive aviation ecosystem is vital for India’s economic growth. Air India’s Group Head, P. Balaji, added that the strategy would significantly expand India’s global footprint beyond the traditional big cities.
The move follows high-level meetings led by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure “operational readiness” at Delhi Airport. By streamlining security, baggage handling, and transit times, the government hopes to make Indian hubs the preferred choice for both domestic travelers and international passengers flying between the East and West.
Key highlights of expansion
- Varanasi International Push: Air India will use Varanasi as a key “spoke,” funneling passengers from eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions into larger international networks.
- Infrastructure Synergy: The model will link airports developed under the UDAN scheme (Tier-2 and Tier-3) to major “hubs” like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
- Global Competitiveness: The initiative aims to make international travel more accessible and affordable for travelers outside of major metro areas.