Air India launches Easy Connect service to link Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with global destination

Air India has launched bookings for its first Easy Connect services under the Government of India's hub-and-spoke aviation model, marking a significant step in expanding international connectivity for travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The airline said the new service will allow passengers from regional cities to complete baggage check-in and immigration formalities at their originating airport before seamlessly connecting to international destinations through a major hub. The initiative is aimed at simplifying overseas travel and improving access to Air India's global network.

The first Easy Connect service will commence from Varanasi on 25 June 2026, with Air India planning a phased rollout across additional cities in the coming months.

New model aims to simplify international travel

Under the hub-and-spoke framework, smaller cities function as "spokes" connected to larger "hub" airports such as Delhi, enabling passengers to access a wider range of international destinations through coordinated connections.

According to Air India, the model has been developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and is designed to provide a more streamlined passenger experience.

Key features of the Easy Connect service include:

• Single check-in to the final destination, eliminating the need to collect and re-check baggage at the hub airport.
• Immigration clearance at the origin airport, reducing processing requirements during transit.
• Seamless domestic-to-international transfers through major hub airports.
• Improved connectivity from non-metro cities to multiple overseas destinations through a single coordinated itinerary.

The airline said the approach will allow travellers to remain within a familiar transit environment in India while avoiding some of the complexities associated with international hub transfers.

Varanasi becomes the first spoke city

The inaugural Easy Connect operation will link Varanasi and Delhi through flight AI1111, which will operate daily.

The flight is scheduled to depart Varanasi at 09:50 hrs and arrive in Delhi at 11:00 hrs. Air India has aligned the schedule to enable onward international connections departing within four hours of arrival.