Air India to Launch Easy Connect Service from Amritsar
Amritsar is set to become the second airport in the country to be integrated into the Government of India's Hub-and-Spoke international connectivity policy. Air India will launch its 'Easy Connect' service from Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport on July 28, following Varanasi which was the first hub under the initiative.
Seamless Immigration and Domestic Connectivity
Under the new arrangement, international passengers traveling on Air India can complete all immigration formalities at Amritsar before boarding domestic flights to Delhi. This allows for seamless onward connections to international destinations from the national capital, eliminating the need for separate immigration procedures at Delhi airport.
Flight Schedule and Operations
As part of the initiative, Air India will operate two daily flights from Amritsar to Delhi under new flight numbers. Flight AI 1113 will depart Amritsar at 9:10 AM and arrive in Delhi at 10:40 AM, replacing the existing AI 496 service while retaining the same schedule. The second service, AI 1115, will leave Amritsar at 10:00 PM and reach Delhi at 11:20 PM, replacing AI 2574 with unchanged timings. According to Air India, the move operationalises the Centre's new international connectivity model aimed at improving access to global destinations from regional airports through a hub-and-spoke network.
Inauguration and Key Attendees
The service will be formally inaugurated at the airport on Tuesday morning by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Airports Authority of India Chairman Vipin Kumar is also expected to address the gathering during the launch event.
Expected Benefits for Regional Passengers
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce transit hassles for international passengers from Punjab and neighbouring regions by integrating domestic and international travel under a single Air India network. Amritsar serves a large catchment area covering Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of other states, as well as a sizeable overseas Punjabi diaspora. The new hub status is anticipated to strengthen the airport's role as a key international gateway in northern India, enhancing connectivity and convenience for travelers.
Broader Impact of Hub-and-Spoke Policy
The Hub-and-Spoke policy aims to decentralise international air connectivity by funneling passengers through regional hubs. This reduces congestion at major airports like Delhi and Mumbai while boosting traffic at smaller airports. Amritsar's selection as the second hub underscores its strategic importance and the government's focus on improving infrastructure in the region. With two dedicated daily feeder flights, passengers from the region can now access a wider range of international destinations via Delhi with minimal hassle.
