Flying internationally with Air India? Here's what you should know about the new ‘Easy Connect’ rule

Air India has introduced a new travel programme called Easy Connect under the Government of India's Hub and Spoke initiative to make international transit easier for passengers.

Under the programme, international passengers will be able to complete some travel formalities at their departure airport instead of at their connecting hub airport. The airline said the programme applies to certain itineraries that include flights operated under the AI 11xx series and changes how passengers check in, clear immigration and transit through Delhi.

The first phase of the programme will begin from Varanasi on June 25, with Air India positioning the city as the launch point for India's hub-and-spoke international connectivity model. The initiative is expected to be expanded to more Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in the coming months.


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What changes for international passengers?

Passengers with an onward international connection of less than four hours are advised to reach the airport at least three hours before departure.

Check-in and immigration formalities will be completed at the origin airport, while baggage will be tagged through to the final destination. If a boarding pass for the international sector is issued at the departure airport, passengers will not receive a new boarding pass during transit in Delhi.

Air India has also asked travellers to keep their boarding pass and passport or photo identification readily available throughout the journey, especially during transit.

For Indian passport holders, registration on the DigiYatra platform is mandatory under the programme. Travellers must keep the DigiYatra application active on their mobile phones and upload their boarding pass after airport check-in. According to the airline, passing through DigiYatra e-gates at the hub airport is required.

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Passengers holding foreign passports do not need DigiYatra registration but must complete document verification at the transfer area in Delhi.

Different rules for longer connections

The streamlined process does not apply to passengers whose onward international connection exceeds four hours.

In such cases, travellers must still arrive at least three hours before departure, complete airport check-in in person and follow standard procedures. Customs and immigration formalities will be completed at the hub airport like Delhi instead of the origin airport.

Few restrictions to know about

Passengers travelling on Easy Connect - Hub & Spoke should pay close attention to pre-departure requirements. Air India has clearly mentioned that web check-in for the flights operating under the AI11-XX series is not available and would be done in person.

The airline also said some domestic flights under the programme may operate from international terminals, and passengers should check terminal information before travelling.

Passengers carrying expensive or dutiable goods that require customs declaration are advised to rebook onto alternative flights that allow them to complete the process at a gateway airport. So, travellers booked on AI 11xx series flights should review the new requirements carefully, as the process differs from standard Air India travel procedures.