Amritsar Passengers Gain Access To 27 Global Destinations Through Air India Service

Air India on Tuesday launched its Easy Connect service from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, expanding international travel options for passengers from Punjab and neighbouring regions under the government’s hub-and-spoke aviation model. The initiative aims to simplify overseas travel by allowing passengers to complete several airport procedures at Amritsar itself before connecting to global destinations through Delhi. With the launch of the service, passengers from Amritsar can now access seamless connectivity to 27 international destinations across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.

The move is expected to benefit travellers from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh by reducing dependence on foreign transit hubs and improving access to international air routes. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the service virtually and highlighted the growing demand for international air travel from the region. He said data shows that around 1.5 lakh passengers travel annually from Amritsar to Delhi to catch international flights, while a similar number of passengers arriving in Delhi from overseas travel onwards to Amritsar.

The minister said the initiative would help position Amritsar as an international gateway for North India. He added that strengthening air connectivity would benefit major catchment areas, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. According to Naidu, improved aviation infrastructure and connectivity could also contribute significantly to the region’s economic growth. Under the Easy Connect programme, passengers travelling internationally from Amritsar can complete through check-in to their final destination and complete immigration procedures at the Amritsar airport.

Also Read: AAIB Tells Supreme Court Final Air India Crash Report Will Be Ready In October

They can then transfer through Delhi without having to collect and re-check baggage or change terminals, making the journey smoother and more convenient. The service is designed to reduce the difficulties often faced by international travellers during connecting flights. By allowing passengers to transit through an Indian aviation hub rather than relying on overseas airports, the initiative aims to reduce travel-related challenges such as navigating unfamiliar terminals, language barriers and repeated security or baggage procedures.

The launch is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the hub-and-spoke model in Indian aviation, where regional airports connect passengers to major domestic hubs before onward international travel. The approach is aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion at foreign transit points and making international travel more accessible for passengers from smaller cities. Highlighting the importance of the overseas Indian community, Naidu said that of the estimated 30 million Indians living abroad, nearly 10 million are Punjabi.

He noted that increasing air connectivity from Amritsar could directly support the region’s economy by improving access for business, tourism and diaspora travel. Air India’s Easy Connect service is expected to provide a major boost to international passengers from Punjab by offering a more convenient alternative to traditional travel routes. As global travel demand continues to grow, the expansion of connectivity from regional airports is expected to play an important role in strengthening India’s aviation network and supporting economic development.

Also Read: Air India Launches Easy Connect Service From Amritsar Via Delhi