Amritsar becomes second spoke airport under India's hub-and-spoke international flight operations
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched hub-and-spoke international flight operations from Amritsar on July 28, 2026, making it the second airport in India to be part of this framework after Varanasi. This initiative aims to transform India into a global aviation hub by providing seamless international connectivity to regional passengers.
Background
India's hub-and-spoke strategy uses Delhi as the central hub, connecting regional spoke airports like Varanasi and now Amritsar to international destinations. The first such operation was successfully launched at Varanasi on June 25, 2026, connecting passengers to 18 international destinations via Delhi.
Key facts
Amritsar is the second spoke airport in India's hub-and-spoke international flight operations framework, after Varanasi.
The hub-and-spoke model uses Delhi as the central hub; Amritsar will serve as a gateway for Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
Passengers from Amritsar can now complete check-in, immigration, and customs at Amritsar, with baggage transferred directly to the final international destination.
Previously, Amritsar had direct international connectivity to only seven destinations; the new model provides access to Delhi's global network.
The Varanasi hub-and-spoke operation, launched on June 25, 2026, has been running smoothly with positive passenger feedback.
The initiative is expected to generate about 4 lakh direct and indirect jobs by 2030 and contribute $30 billion to India's economy.
By 2047, the model is projected to create around 1.6 crore jobs and contribute approximately $1.4 trillion to the national economy.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted that the model strengthens India's aviation sovereignty and connects the country to the world through Indian hubs.
Prelims pointers
- Hub-and-spoke model: Delhi as hub, Amritsar and Varanasi as spokes
- Amritsar: second spoke airport (after Varanasi)
- Launch date: July 28, 2026
- First hub-and-spoke operation: Varanasi on June 25, 2026
- Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Minister: Ram Mohan Naidu
- Projected jobs by 2030: 4 lakh (direct and indirect)
- Projected economic contribution by 2030: $30 billion
- Projected jobs by 2047: 1.6 crore
- Projected economic contribution by 2047: $1.4 trillion
Mains angles
- Discuss the hub-and-spoke model in aviation and its potential to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
- Critically examine the role of infrastructure projects like hub-and-spoke in transforming India into a global aviation hub.
- Analyze the economic impact of aviation hubs on employment, tourism, and trade, with reference to the Amritsar initiative.