New Hub‑Spoke Route Turns Amritsar Into Major International Gateway

Amritsar has become India's second hub‑and‑spoke airport, joining Varanasi in offering passengers a seamless connection to a wide network of overseas cities. The service, announced by the civil aviation minister on 28 July, allows travelers to check in at Amritsar, have their luggage tagged to the final destination, and transfer at Delhi without re‑clearing immigration or customs.

The move expands Amritsar's direct international reach from seven to more than twenty destinations, exploiting Delhi's extensive global links. Approximately 150,000 passengers currently travel each year from Amritsar to Delhi for international flights, a figure that is expected to grow rapidly due to the simplified travel experience.

The hub‑spoke system mirrors Varanasi's successful launch earlier this month, where passengers accessed 18 foreign destinations via Delhi without additional procedures. Officials project that the expanded connectivity will boost regional tourism, business travel, and diaspora movements, positioning Amritsar as a key entry point for Punjab, Jammu‑Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

Economic forecasts suggest the aviation hub model could create up to 400,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute an extra $30 billion to India's GDP, with long‑term impacts potentially reaching 1.6 crore jobs and $1.4 trillion by 2047.