Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Tata Group-owned airline, described the government’s initiative as a transformative step for the aviation sector. He stated that the model would significantly strengthen connectivity and ensure optimal utilisation of airport infrastructure across the country.
Calling it a landmark development, Wilson expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s vision to establish India as a global aviation hub and to build a comprehensive aviation ecosystem. He credited the leadership for driving systemic improvements that could enhance India’s standing in international air travel.
Wilson also acknowledged the role of the Civil Aviation Ministry and senior officials in advancing the hub-and-spoke framework. He noted their efforts in coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure operational readiness, enhance passenger convenience, and maintain security standards.
As part of its expansion strategy aligned with this model, Air India is preparing to launch international connectivity from Varanasi. The move is aimed at improving accessibility for travellers from eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions, which have traditionally depended on major metropolitan airports for international travel.
P. Balaji, Group Head for Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs at Air India, said the initiative would expand India’s global aviation footprint beyond major cities. He added that the development would make international travel more accessible for passengers from smaller urban centres.
According to the airline, the hub-and-spoke model represents a fundamental shift in India’s aviation landscape, transitioning from a predominantly destination-based market to a structured global transit ecosystem.
Earlier this month, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to assess the preparedness of Delhi Airport for implementing hub-and-spoke operations. The model is expected to enable seamless connectivity between smaller regional airports developed under the regional connectivity scheme and major international destinations.
The minister highlighted that nearly 35 per cent of international passengers from India currently transit through foreign hubs such as Dubai, London, and Singapore. He stated that the government aims to reverse this trend by developing globally competitive aviation hubs within India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai.
The initiative signals a strategic shift in India’s aviation policy, with a clear focus on reducing dependence on foreign transit hubs and positioning the country as a central node in global air travel networks.
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