Ministry of Civil Aviation Launches Hub & Spoke International Operations from Ahmedabad
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially launched Hub & Spoke International Flight Operations from Ahmedabad, making it the third airport integrated into India's International Aviation Hub Strategy after Varanasi (launched 25 June 2026) and Amritsar (launched 28 July 2026). The launch event was attended by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol, and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, along with senior officials including Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha and DGCA Shri Rajesh Nirwan.
Operational Details and Passenger Benefits
Under the Hub & Spoke model, Ahmedabad passengers will now complete immigration, check-in, and baggage check-through formalities at the originating airport itself, with baggage traveling directly to their final international destination. This eliminates the need for separate bookings, luggage handling upon arrival at Delhi, and reduces the risk of missing connecting flights. The model specifically addresses the challenges faced by the 1.6 crore passengers who traveled from Ahmedabad to Delhi last year to board international flights.
Flight Connectivity and Destination Coverage
Ahmedabad will operate two key services: Flight AI 1117 provides connectivity to 22 destinations primarily across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, while the evening service AI 1121 (departing at 20:15 hours) extends connectivity to 17 destinations across North America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe.
Strategic Objectives and Economic Impact
The Hub-and-Spoke model is a key component of the Government's International Aviation Hub Strategy aimed at positioning India as the preferred aviation hub for Indian travelers by 2030 and a leading global aviation hub by 2047. Ministry studies indicate that aviation hub development could generate approximately 0.4 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute an additional USD 30 billion to India's GDP by 2030. By 2047, the cumulative impact could support approximately 16 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute nearly USD 1.4 trillion to the economy.
Sectoral Benefits and Future Expansion
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit Gujarat's business community, exporters including diamond exporters, handicraft artisans, investors, tourists, and students by improving access to international markets. The Minister specifically noted benefits to Ahmedabad's textile, pharmaceutical, diamond and gems, and engineering sectors. The framework will next expand to 22 more airports in the current phase, including Surat in Gujarat, and will support Ahmedabad's preparedness to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 by enabling seamless global connectivity.