Ahmedabad Joins Hub & Spoke Flight Network Enhancing Global Connectivity
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially launched Hub & Spoke international flight operations from Ahmedabad, marking the city’s entry into India’s expanding aviation framework. This initiative makes Ahmedabad the third airport in the country to integrate into the Hub & Spoke model, following Varanasi and Amritsar. The inaugural event was attended by key dignitaries including Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu; Gujarat Chief Minister, Shri Bhupendra Patel; Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol; and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Harsh Sanghavi.
This significant development aims to streamline international travel for passengers in Ahmedabad. The Hub & Spoke operations were first launched in Varanasi on June 25, 2026, followed by Amritsar on July 28, 2026. With Ahmedabad’s inclusion, the government is taking steps towards establishing a seamless, integrated passenger-centric network, allowing direct connectivity from various regions of India to global destinations through Delhi.
Flight AI 1117 will connect Ahmedabad to 22 international locations, primarily across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In the evenings, flight AI 1121 will provide access to 17 additional destinations, encompassing regions such as North America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe. The new system will simplify the travel process significantly, eliminating the hassles traditionally associated with international journeys.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted how this model will benefit travelers from Ahmedabad. Previously, passengers seeking to travel to places like Paris, Toronto, or Sydney had to take domestic flights to Delhi and manage multiple bookings. Now, with the Hub & Spoke framework, travelers can complete all check-ins, immigration, and baggage handling in Ahmedabad itself. This streamlining means that luggage will be automatically transferred to the final destination, reducing travel stress.
The Government’s International Aviation Hub Strategy aims to position India as a leading global aviation center by 2047, utilizing the country’s strategic location and extensive airport facilities to enhance connectivity and lessen reliance on foreign transit airports. This innovative fiscal model will facilitate a smoother travel experience where international passengers can complete necessary formalities at their point of origin.
Shri Naidu emphasized the potential of the Hub & Spoke model, noting that last year, 16 million passengers traveled from Ahmedabad to Delhi to reach international flights. He sees the city poised to attract a global audience, particularly in anticipation of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. The initiative is expected to positively impact various sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, due to increased foot traffic from international travelers.
The Hub & Spoke model will deliver numerous advantages, including improved international connections from smaller cities and a better overall experience for passengers. Enhanced connectivity will significantly benefit Gujarat’s business sphere, boosting sectors like diamond exports, tourism, and education. Reports suggest that this aviation framework could generate around 400,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute an estimated USD 30 billion to India’s GDP by 2030. By 2047, the anticipated cumulative impact is projected to create 16 million jobs and add approximately USD 1.4 trillion to the national economy.
This launch signals the ongoing expansion of Hub & Spoke operations across more airports in the country, with plans to incorporate 22 additional airports in this phase, including Surat in Gujarat. Present at the event were officials from various aviation and trade sectors reflecting widespread support for enhanced connectivity from Ahmedabad.
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