New system to enable seamless international connections through Delhi hub; Ahmedabad becomes third airport after Varanasi and Amritsar

Ahmedabad: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has expanded India’s Hub-and-Spoke international flight network with the launch of operations from Ahmedabad, making it the third airport in the country to be integrated into the framework for international passenger movement after Varanasi and Amritsar.

The launch ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi.

The initiative began with the launch of Hub-and-Spoke operations from Varanasi on 25 June 2026, followed by Amritsar Airport on 28 July 2026. With Ahmedabad now joining the network, the government aims to build a more integrated, seamless and passenger-centric aviation system, connecting Indian cities with international destinations through India’s own hub at Delhi.

Ahmedabad passengers to get wider global connectivity

Under the new arrangement, AI 1117 will connect passengers from Ahmedabad to 22 international destinations, primarily covering Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

An additional evening service, AI 1121, departing Ahmedabad at 20:15 hours, will provide connectivity to 17 destinations across North America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe.

Explaining the practical benefits for passengers, Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu said that travellers from Ahmedabad previously flying to destinations such as Paris, Toronto or Sydney often had to take a domestic flight to Delhi, deal with separate bookings, collect and re-check baggage, undergo immigration procedures and navigate a large airport before taking their international connection.

The Hub-and-Spoke system is designed to simplify this process. Check-in, immigration and baggage check-through will be completed at Ahmedabad itself, while passengers’ baggage will be transferred directly to their final international destination.

Part of India’s long-term aviation hub strategy

The Hub-and-Spoke model forms an important part of the government’s International Aviation Hub Strategy. The strategy seeks to establish India as the preferred aviation hub for Indian travellers by 2030 and position the country among the world’s leading aviation hubs by 2047.

The government is leveraging India’s strategic geographical location and extensive airport infrastructure to strengthen international connectivity through Indian hubs and reduce passengers’ dependence on overseas transit airports.

In essence, the inclusion of Ahmedabad marks another step towards making international travel from Indian cities more convenient while strengthening India’s position as a global aviation hub.