Hub-and-spoke international operations begin at Ahmedabad airport

Ahmedabad has become the third Indian city to offer hub-and-spoke international flight services after the launch of operations from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI), according to an official release.

The service was launched in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other officials.

Ahmedabad joins Amritsar and Varanasi in the hub-and-spoke international aviation framework.

Under the model, passengers from smaller cities, or spokes, are brought to a major central airport, or hub, where they transfer to connecting international flights.

A key feature of the system is that baggage, customs and immigration checks are completed at the originating airport. This means passengers do not need to repeat the same procedures when changing flights at the hub airport.

The government said automated baggage transfer and simplified procedures are expected to save passengers time and reduce airlines’ operating costs.

“The ‘hub and spoke’ model has been launched from Ahmedabad in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to take India’s civil aviation sector to new heights globally. Given Ahmedabad’s global connectivity, Gujarat’s large NRI community and the needs of trade and industry, this model will play an important role,” Naidu said.

He added, “The model will provide easier connectivity from Ahmedabad via Delhi to around 15 international destinations. Passengers will be able to complete baggage checks and immigration procedures at Ahmedabad itself. They will not face the hassle of repeating these procedures while changing flights at Delhi.”

The Civil Aviation Minister also said the country had 74 airports in 2014 and that the number has now increased to more than 160.

“Over the next ten years, there are plans to develop another 100 airports with the expansion of the UDAN scheme,” he said.

The government said Ahmedabad’s growing connectivity would support sectors including hospitality, tourism, textiles, pharmaceuticals, diamonds and gems, engineering, semiconductors and manufacturing.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “With the launch of the ‘hub-and-spoke’ service from Ahmedabad Airport, international travellers from Gujarat will directly benefit from the ease of travel. Passengers from smaller cities will also benefit.”