Air India Launches Easy Connect Flights From Varanasi

Easy Connect Flights Enable International Travel From Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities

Air India has opened bookings for its new Easy Connect flights, becoming the first airline to roll out services under the Government of India’s hub-and-spoke connectivity model. The initiative will begin from Varanasi on 25 June 2026, allowing travellers to complete baggage check-in and immigration formalities at their departure airport before connecting to international destinations through Delhi.

The new model has been designed to simplify international travel for passengers departing from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Under the hub-and-spoke system, travellers can begin their journey at a regional airport and connect through a major hub, such as Delhi, to access Air India’s international network.

With Easy Connect flights, passengers can check their baggage through to their final destination from the point of origin, removing the need to collect and re-check luggage at the connecting hub airport.

Another key feature is the completion of immigration procedures at the departure airport. This allows passengers to arrive in Delhi as international transit travellers, streamlining the connection process before boarding their onward flight.

The first Easy Connect service will operate daily between Varanasi and Delhi as flight AI1111. The schedule has been coordinated to provide onward connections to multiple international destinations departing from Delhi within four hours of arrival.

According to Air India, the rollout will expand to additional cities in phases over the coming months as the airline works with airports, government agencies and industry stakeholders to implement the hub-and-spoke model across the country.

Commenting on the launch, P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs at Air India, said that implementing the hub-and-spoke model requires coordination among airlines, airports and government agencies. He added that the airline will continue working with stakeholders to expand the programme and support a more integrated aviation network in India.

Bookings for Easy Connect flights are now available through Air India’s website, mobile application, contact centre and authorised travel agents.

International Connections Available from Delhi

Passengers travelling on Air India’s Easy Connect flight AI1111 from Varanasi to Delhi can connect to the following international services departing within four hours of arrival:

Easy Connect Flight Schedule

The introduction of Easy Connect flights marks a new phase in domestic-to-international connectivity, allowing travellers from regional cities to access overseas destinations through a more coordinated travel process.

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