How a regional Indian airport became a critical spoke in a global hub network

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Serving the city of Amritsar, this international airport has evolved from a British-era VVIP landing strip into a sophisticated hub. By integrating into a national hub-and-spoke model, it now allows passengers to clear customs and immigration locally, streamlining travel to over 44 international destinations via Delhi.

Established in 1930 during the British era, the airport at Raja Sansi has undergone significant transformation. Originally serving VVIP movements, it expanded its reach after independence, launching its first international flight to Kabul in 1960. Today, it stands as the largest and busiest airport in Punjab and the second-largest in Northern India, trailing only Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

The facility underwent a major modernization phase starting in 2001, culminating in the 2009 inauguration of a 40,175-square-metre integrated terminal. This structure blends modern glass and steel with traditional Indian architectural elements. Recent infrastructure upgrades include the installation of CAT III-B ILS in 2016–17, which allows for landings in visibility as low as 50 metres. These improvements have supported rapid growth, including a 59.6% increase in international traffic in June 2016 and a record-breaking 48% passenger growth during the 2017–2018 fiscal year.

In July 2026, the airport adopted a national hub-and-spoke model. This system permits departing international passengers to complete all necessary formalities—including check-in, customs, and immigration—at the Amritsar terminal. Transiting through Delhi, these passengers can then access international corridors without re-checking baggage. While the airport currently handles 2.5 million passengers annually, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has proposed a ₹ 240 crore expansion to increase this capacity to 5.5 million. Future plans also include potential privatization via a Public Private Partnership to further accelerate infrastructure development.

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