Air India has launched its Easy Connect services from Amritsar, expanding the Government of India's hub-and-spoke aviation model and offering travellers from Punjab easier access to 27 international destinations through Delhi. The launch follows the nationwide rollout of the initiative announced in June 2026.

The new service allows international passengers departing from Amritsar to complete through check-in for their final destination, finish immigration formalities at Amritsar airport, and transfer seamlessly through Delhi without the need to collect and re-check baggage or change terminals.

By routing international transfers through Delhi, the programme simplifies the travel experience, helping passengers avoid repeated procedures and the challenges often associated with transiting through foreign airports.

Air India has designated two daily flights between Amritsar and Delhi under the Easy Connect programme:

• AI1113: Departs Amritsar at 09:10 AM and arrives in Delhi at 10:40 AM

• AI1115: Departs Amritsar at 10:00 PM and arrives in Delhi at 11:20 PM

These services provide onward connections within four hours to 27 international destinations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, West Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, said: “The expansion of hub-and-spoke operations to Amritsar is another step towards our vision of building an aviation network that truly serves a New India - one where global access is no longer confined to a handful of metropolitan centres but extends to every region of the country. By strengthening connectivity through Indian hubs, we are strengthening the foundation for a more integrated, accessible, and globally competitive aviation ecosystem."

"With these flights, Punjab becomes closer to the rest of the world, deepening connections with its vibrant global diaspora and unlocking new opportunities for tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchange.”

The inaugural event was attended by Mr Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Mr Puneet Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Mr Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India; and Mr P. Balaji, Group Head - Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, along with senior officials from government agencies, airport stakeholders, and Air India.

The morning Easy Connect flight is scheduled to connect passengers to major European destinations including London Heathrow, Birmingham, Paris, Milan, Copenhagen, Vienna, Amsterdam, Zurich, Frankfurt, and Rome, besides select cities in Southeast Asia and West Asia.

The late evening service offers convenient connections to destinations such as New York (JFK), Newark, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, Phuket, Bali, Dubai, and several other international cities.

Air India will also become the first Indian airline to implement the Ministry of Civil Aviation's Standard Operating Procedure for inbound hub-and-spoke operations. This will enable seamless international-to-domestic transfers via Delhi for passengers travelling onward to Amritsar. The inbound Easy Connect model is expected to be introduced within the next two months.

Speaking on the initiative, P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, said: "Punjab is home to one of the largest globally connected communities of Indians, with generations of families, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals forging strong links with communities around the world, especially the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Yet for many travellers, international journeys have often involved navigating multiple airports, repeated formalities, and lengthy transit experiences. With Easy Connect flights from Amritsar, travellers can now begin their overseas journeys from their home city without any hassle. We are proud to support the Government of India’s vision to bring the world closer to every Indian while strengthening India’s position as a major global aviation hub."

Following the launch in Amritsar and Varanasi, Air India plans to expand the Easy Connect programme to additional cities including Ahmedabad, Goa, Kochi, and several other destinations across India in the coming weeks.

The initiative is part of a larger effort to route more international passengers through Indian airports instead of overseas transit hubs. Of the nearly 25 million passengers travelling long-haul to and from India each year, around 20 million are connecting travellers, with approximately 85% currently transiting through foreign airports. Through the hub-and-spoke framework and Air India's expanding domestic and international network, Easy Connect aims to gradually shift more of this traffic through Indian hubs, delivering a smoother and more integrated travel experience.

Passengers using Easy Connect services are required to complete specific pre-departure and transit procedures, including mandatory DigiYatra enrolment for Indian passport holders travelling internationally. Bookings are available through Air India's website, mobile app, contact centre, and authorised travel agents.