Air India has opened bookings for its first Easy Connect flights under the Government of India’s hub-and-spoke model, making international travel simpler for passengers flying from non-metro cities. The new service allows travellers to check in their baggage and complete immigration formalities at their departure airport before seamlessly connecting to international destinations through Delhi.

The first Easy Connect service will begin from Varanasi on 25 June 2026, with Air India leading the implementation of the new connectivity model. The airline plans to expand the service to several other cities in phases over the coming months, bringing smoother international travel options to more Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations across India.

Under the hub-and-spoke model, cities such as Varanasi serve as ‘spokes’ connected to major hub airports like Delhi. This structure enables passengers to access Air India’s extensive international network through a single connection point while benefiting from coordinated schedules and a streamlined travel experience.

A key feature of the Easy Connect service is through check-in to the final destination. Passengers travelling from Varanasi can check in their baggage at their home airport and collect it only upon arrival at their international destination. Immigration formalities will also be completed at the origin airport, eliminating the need for immigration processing during transit at Delhi.

Passengers will transit through Delhi as international travellers, making connections quicker and more efficient. The model also offers the comfort of connecting within India, reducing the challenges often associated with transiting through foreign hub airports.

The designated Easy Connect flight from Varanasi to Delhi will operate daily as AI1111, departing Varanasi at 09:50 hrs and arriving in Delhi at 11:00 hrs. The schedule has been designed to provide convenient onward connections to 18 international destinations within four hours of arrival.

These include London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Vienna, Copenhagen, Manila, Singapore, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Riyadh, Colombo, Kathmandu, and Dubai, among others.

Future Easy Connect services from additional spoke cities will operate under the AI11XX flight series, creating a dedicated identity for the network.

P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, said: “The successful implementation of the hub-and-spoke model requires close coordination across airlines, airports, and multiple government agencies, and we are grateful for the strong collaboration that has enabled this rollout. Air India is committed to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders across the industry and the Government of India as we expand this model to more cities and phases. Together, we are building a more efficient, integrated, and globally competitive aviation ecosystem for India.”

Air India said bookings for Easy Connect flights are now available across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, contact centre, and travel agents.