Naidu says hub-and-spoke security strengthened after immigration lapse

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government has overhauled airport security and transit protocols under the hub-and-spoke model after a September 4 security breach. Three Italian passengers of Indian origin arriving from Amritsar bypassed mandatory immigration checks at Delhi airport and boarded a flight to Munich.

Naidu said the ministry identified weaknesses and created a stronger ecosystem, revising processes for boarding cards, Digi Yatra, and passenger movement at connecting airports. Two Air India personnel found responsible for escorting passengers were suspended, the minister said. Additional checks are now being carried out at transfer points, and airline staff have been directed to check 'I' and 'D' indicators on boarding passes as an interim arrangement.

The minister reiterated India's goal to become a global aviation hub and said hub and spoke will be expanded to more airports. The model, launched from Varanasi in July, allows passengers from tier II and III cities to access international destinations through major airports without repeating baggage and immigration formalities during transit.