Air India Opens Bookings for ‘Easy Connect’ Flights, Launches India’s New Hub-and-Spoke International Travel Model from Varanasi

Air India has opened bookings for its first-ever Easy Connect flights, marking the launch of the Government of India’s ambitious hub-and-spoke aviation model. The new service aims to simplify international travel for passengers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Travelers can complete baggage check-in and immigration formalities at their origin airport before connecting seamlessly to international destinations. 

The first Easy Connect service will begin operations from Varanasi on 25 June 2026, with the model being rolled out in phases across multiple cities in the coming months.

How the Hub-and-Spoke Model Works 

The hub-and-spoke model connects smaller cities, known as “spokes,” to major gateway airports, or “hubs,” such as Delhi. From these hubs, travelers gain access to Air India’s extensive international network. 

Under this system, passengers departing from cities such as Varanasi can enjoy a streamlined travel experience without repeated check-ins, baggage collection, or immigration procedures at connecting airports. The initiative has been developed by Air India in close collaboration with airports, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to improve international connectivity from non-metro cities. 

Benefits for Travelers 

Passengers flying on Easy Connect services will receive several advantages:

• Through check-in to the final destination, including international sectors.
• Checked baggage transferred automatically to the final overseas destination.
• International immigration clearance at the origin airport, eliminating the need for immigration processing at Delhi.
• Faster transit at hub airports by traveling as an international transit passenger.
• A smoother and more familiar travel experience within India before boarding an international flight.

Varanasi Becomes the First Easy Connect City 

The inaugural Easy Connect flight, AI1111, will operate daily between Varanasi and Delhi. The flight schedule is as follows:

• Flight: AI1111
• Route: Varanasi–Delhi
• Departure: 09:50 hrs
• Arrival: 11:00 hrs

After arriving in Delhi, passengers will have access to 17 international destinations served by Air India flights departing within four hours, ensuring convenient onward connections. 

International Destinations Accessible via AI1111 

Travelers flying from Varanasi can connect to the following international destinations through Delhi: 

The network provides one-stop access to key destinations across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. 

Dedicated Flight Number Series for Easy Connect Services 

The airline has introduced a dedicated numbering system for hub-and-spoke operations. The Varanasi service operates as AI1111, while future Easy Connect flights from other spoke cities will carry flight numbers in the AI11XX series, creating a distinct identity for the network. 

Bookings for Air India’s Easy Connect flights are now available through all official channels, including the airline’s website, mobile application, contact centre, and authorised travel agents.