International travelers from Punjab can now expect a simpler connection through Delhi. The Centre launched its hub-and-spoke aviation model at Amritsar Airport, allowing eligible passengers to complete important international departure formalities before departing from Amritsar.
The new system aims to reduce repeated airport procedures and make connecting journeys through Delhi more convenient. Amritsar is the second Indian airport to receive the Easy Connect facility after Varanasi.
What Is the Amritsar Airport Hub-and-Spoke Model?
The hub-and-spoke system connects a regional airport with a larger international airport. Under this model, Amritsar serves as the spoke airport, while Delhi functions as the main international hub.
For example, passengers traveling from Amritsar to London via Delhi will still need to change flights in Delhi. However, eligible passengers can complete international check-in, immigration and other required departure formalities at Amritsar. This reduces the number of procedures they must repeat during their Delhi transit.
Air India operates the service under its Easy Connect program, which was first launched in Varanasi in June 2026.
How Will the New Service Work?
Travelers must book an eligible Air India Easy Connect itinerary from Amritsar to an international destination through Delhi. The service generally applies if the first sector is an eligible flight, the ticket includes onward travel to an international destination and the connection in Delhi is four hours or less. At Amritsar Airport, eligible passengers will:
- Complete international check-in
- Collect physical boarding passes
- Complete immigration procedures
- Pass through security
- Check baggage through to the final destination
After arriving in Delhi, passengers can follow the designated international transfer route and proceed to their onward departure gate. They will not normally need to collect their checked baggage or complete immigration again.
Under the traditional process, passengers may arrive in Delhi as domestic travelers, collect their baggage, move between airport areas, check in again and complete international departure formalities. The Easy Connect model removes several of these steps.
Why Is the Service Useful for Travelers?
Its main benefits include:
- No need to collect checked baggage in Delhi
- No repeated immigration process at the hub
- Fewer queues and airport procedures
- Easier movement during the connection
- Better access to Air India’s international network
Around 150,000 travelers reportedly fly from Amritsar to Delhi each year to board international flights. The service could therefore benefit people from Punjab as well as nearby parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Air India advises Easy Connect passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure. Indian passport holders must enroll in DigiYatra, keep the app active on their phones and upload their boarding passes after airport check-in. Customs declaration facilities are not available at spoke airports under the Easy Connect program. Passengers carrying high-value or dutiable goods that require declaration should consider an alternative flight.
Travelers should also confirm their flight eligibility, baggage rules, connection time and document requirements before booking.
A Simpler Way to Connect Through Delhi
The Amritsar Airport hub-and-spoke model can reduce repeated procedures, simplify baggage transfers and make international connections through Delhi less stressful.
Eligible passengers can begin their international departure process in Amritsar. Those planning overseas journeys can explore Indian Eagle deals to compare available fares and convenient options for international flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do travelers complete immigration at Amritsar or Delhi?
Eligible Easy Connect passengers complete immigration at Amritsar. They do not normally need to repeat the process while connecting through Delhi.
Will baggage be transferred automatically through Delhi?
For an eligible connected itinerary, the airline tags checked baggage to the final international destination and transfers it through Delhi. Travelers do not normally need to collect or recheck it.
Is web check-in available for Easy Connect flights?
No. Web check-in is not available for Easy Connect journeys. Passengers must check in at the airport and collect physical boarding passes.
How early should travelers reach Amritsar Airport?
Travelers should arrive at least three hours before departure because international check-in and immigration take place at Amritsar.
Does the service apply to travelers arriving from overseas?
No. The current Easy Connect program applies to outbound international journeys from India. It does not operate in the same way for inbound travelers.
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