New Delhi, June 10 (APAC Media): Air India has opened bookings for its new ‘Easy Connect’ flights under the Government of India’s hub-and-betterspoke model.
The service will begin from Varanasi on June 25, making it easier for travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to access international destinations.
Air India is leading the rollout of the new model, which aims to provide seamless global connectivity through major hubs such as Delhi.
From your home city to the world, now made easier.
Introducing Air India Easy Connect flights – a new way to travel internationally that allows guests to complete check-in and immigration at their origin airport and enjoy a seamless onward connection through Delhi.
Commencing… pic.twitter.com/4fWGGvaoK0
— Air India (@airindia) June 9, 2026
Varanasi Becomes the First ‘Spoke’ City
Varanasi will be the first city to get the new Easy Connect service. Under the system, passengers will fly from Varanasi to Delhi and then connect to international flights without going through additional airport formalities.
The daily Varanasi-Delhi flight, AI1111, has been scheduled to offer smooth connections to 17 international destinations within four hours of arrival in Delhi.
Some of the major destinations include:
- London Heathrow
- Frankfurt
- Milan
- Rome
- Zurich
- Manila
- Singapore
- Phuket
- Kuala Lumpur
- Riyadh
- Dubai
What Changes for Passengers?
The new hub-and-spoke model is designed to make international travel simpler and more convenient.
Passengers will be able to check in at their home airport and receive boarding passes for their final destination.
Their baggage will also be transferred automatically, removing the need to collect and re-check luggage in Delhi.
Passengers will also complete immigration formalities at their origin airport. This will help reduce waiting time and make transfers quicker and more convenient.
As a result, passengers can transit through Delhi as international travellers and avoid the hassle often associated with changing flights.
The model also allows passengers to connect through familiar Indian airports instead of relying on foreign transit hubs, making the journey more convenient.
More Cities to Be Added
Air India said the Easy Connect network will expand to several more cities in phases over the coming months.
P. Balaji, Group Head for Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs, Air India said, “The initiative has been made possible through close coordination among airlines, airports and government agencies.”
With Easy Connect flights, Air India hopes to create a more integrated and globally competitive aviation network while bringing world-class connectivity closer to India’s smaller cities.
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