Air India prepares Varanasi for international flights under new aviation model
India’s premier airline plans global links from key spiritual and cultural centre
DUBAI – Air India has welcomed the Government of India’s move to operationalise the hub-and-spoke aviation model, calling it a major step towards transforming the country into a global aviation hub.
The airline confirmed it is preparing to introduce international connectivity from Varanasi as part of its network expansion strategy.
The development aligns with broader efforts to enhance connectivity beyond major metropolitan cities.
New aviation model
The hub-and-spoke model represents a shift from a point-to-point system to a transit-driven network, enabling better aircraft utilisation. It is also expected to ease congestion at major airports by distributing passenger processing, including customs and immigration, across multiple locations.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, described the initiative as a “transformative step” for Indian aviation. He credited the Prime Minister’s vision for strengthening the aviation ecosystem and highlighted the Civil Aviation Ministry’s role in advancing the model.
Wilson also acknowledged the Civil Aviation Secretary’s coordination with airlines, airports and government bodies to address operational readiness, passenger convenience and security measures as implementation progresses.
Air India network
As part of this strategy, Air India is planning to launch international routes from Varanasi, improving access for passengers across surrounding regions. The move is expected to significantly reduce travel time for flyers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by offering more direct global connections.
P. Balaji, Group Head for Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs, said the initiative reflects the airline’s focus on expanding India’s global aviation footprint beyond metro hubs.