Air India has unveiled a new travel programme designed to simplify international journeys for passengers connecting through Delhi, with the first Easy Connect flights set to begin from Varanasi on 25 June.
The initiative forms part of the Government of India’s Hub and Spoke programme, which allows eligible travellers to complete international check-in and immigration formalities at their departure airport rather than at the connecting hub.
Under the new system, passengers flying on qualifying Air India AI 11XX series flights with onward international connections of four hours or less will be able to check in, complete immigration procedures and check their baggage through to their final destination before leaving their home city.
For travellers connecting through Delhi, this means they can proceed directly through the international transfer process without repeating immigration formalities at the hub airport.
Air India said the service is intended to make transfers quicker and reduce congestion at major gateway airports. The airline plans to expand Easy Connect to additional cities over the coming months as part of its broader strategy to strengthen Delhi’s role as an international aviation hub.
A passenger travelling from Varanasi to London via Delhi, for example, would complete immigration clearance in Varanasi. Upon arrival in Delhi, they would move through the transfer process and continue to their international flight without visiting immigration counters again.
The programme currently applies only to outbound international journeys from India and does not cover inbound international passengers arriving in the country.
While the changes offer convenience for many travellers, the scheme also introduces some new requirements. Web check-in will not be available for eligible Easy Connect flights, meaning passengers must collect a physical boarding pass at their departure airport. Air India advises travellers to arrive at least three hours before departure to allow time for both check-in and immigration processing.
Passengers are also required to retain their boarding passes throughout their journey. Indian passport holders will need to use DigiYatra during transit through Delhi, while foreign passport holders can proceed through the transfer area using standard document verification procedures.
The airline has also highlighted limitations relating to customs declarations. Customs facilities are not available at participating spoke airports, meaning travellers carrying high-value or dutiable goods may need to book alternative flight arrangements.
The launch comes as Indian aviation continues to invest in hub-based connectivity models that aim to improve passenger flow and strengthen links between regional cities and international destinations. Industry observers note that successful implementation will depend on smooth coordination between airlines, airports and immigration authorities, particularly as the programme expands to more locations.
Bookings for Easy Connect flights are now open, with Air India positioning the service as a way to make international travel from smaller Indian cities more straightforward while reducing transit times at Delhi.
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