Central Idea

In the world of aviation, a transit hub serves as a crucial intermediary point for travelers making their way from one foreign country to another.
It’s like a well-orchestrated stopover where passengers switch from one aircraft to another, aiming for a seamless journey.

What is a Transit Hub in Aviation?

A transit hub is like a bridge in the sky, connecting travellers from one foreign destination to another with minimal fuss.
It should offer a smooth experience for passengers moving from Country A to Country C via Country B.
Such hubs usually rely on a major airline with an extensive network to provide one-stop flights, ideally with no more than a 2 to 3-hour wait between flights.
Picture it as a hub-and-spoke model, where flights come together at the hub and then branch out to various destinations, making travel affordable and efficient.

In 2018-19, Indian airlines managed 40.2% of air passenger traffic to and from India.
This number has grown to 44% in 2022-23, while overseas airlines’ share has shrunk to 56%.
India now boasts low-cost carriers for short and medium-haul international flights, including newcomers like Akasa.
These trends signal India’s potential to become an economical transit hub, offering essential services to start.

Air India group and IndiGo are potential game-changers in turning India into a transit hub.
Together, they have nearly 1,500 aircraft on order, with most being narrow-body planes capable of covering 5 to 8 hours of travel, including European destinations.

The plan begins with New Delhi, where a collaborative effort between the government, Delhi airport, and airlines seeks to optimize the hub experience.
Transit hubs are also in the works for Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, depending on flight origins.
Mumbai could be an attractive stop for African travellers, while Delhi might serve Central Europe and West Asia.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation endorses the idea, urging airlines to offer more non-stop international routes.
Airports and airlines are working to create larger spaces within airports for transit passengers.
Initiatives might include dedicated terminals for international flights or large carriers to streamline travel.

India’s aviation landscape is evolving, with a rising share of passenger traffic attributed to domestic airlines and the emergence of low-cost international carriers.
The potential for India to become a transit hub is grounded in these shifting dynamics.