| "We are close to finalising our European hub from where Air-India plans to start additional services to Europe and the US," a senior official of the airlines said. |
| With London, Paris and Frankfurt already over-crowded, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Air-India to get more slots for expanding its operations. "We are, therefore, looking at other airports where we can get slots easily," the official said. |
| Hub selection is based on connectivity, incentives and costs, and after considering these factors, Air-India started seriously evaluating Munich and Vienna. Munich airport is Germany's second largest and ranks eighth among Europe's passenger airports. |
| Authorities at Munich airport have completed the planning process for a third runway, which after completion will allow more slots for Air-India, he said. |
| Vienna airport in Austria is also in the process of planning a second terminal which will have 17 aircraft docking positions. |
| Air-India will become the second airline from India to have an European hub after Jet Airways, which has Brussels as its hub in the region. |
| Even though these two destinations have emerged as front-runners, Air-India was still open to considering airports in other countries for its European hub, the official said. |
| "The European hub, once created, will become the nerve centre on the basis of the hub-and-spoke model for operating flights in the region." |
| Air-India had considered Belgrade for its hub, which proposal has since been shelved. |
| The national air carrier is said to be in the final stages of negotiations with Star Alliance which would facilitate in widening its operations, particularly in Europe. |
| Air-India is also planning more flights in the SAARC region since its merger with Indian. New flights to Australia, Canada, Latin America and some destinations in Africa are being considered, the official said. |
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