​India Launches First ‘Easy Connect’ Flight

• 27 Jun 2026

On 25^th June 2026, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation launched India's first 'Easy Connect' flight under the Hub-and-Spoke model from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, to provide seamless international connectivity from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Key Points:

• •First Easy Connect Flight: The inaugural 'Easy Connect' flight was launched from Varanasi, marking the beginning of Hub-and-Spoke international aviation operations in India.
• •Hub-and-Spoke Model: Under this model, passengers complete check-in, immigration and customs formalities at the originating (spoke) airport before travelling to a designated hub airport for their international flight.
• •Objective: The initiative aims to transform India into a global aviation hub, improve international connectivity and make overseas travel more convenient for passengers from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
• •Expansion Plans: The government plans to extend Hub-and-Spoke international operations to other Tier-II and Tier-III airports across the country.