Which system uses specific cities as hubs for connecting flights to other outlying cities?

The hub-and-spoke system is designed to optimize the efficiency of airline operations by using specific cities—referred to as hubs—as central points for connecting flights to various other destinations, or spokes. This approach means that airlines can consolidate flight traffic through these hubs, allowing for more streamlined connections for passengers traveling to smaller cities or outlying areas.

For instance, a passenger traveling from a small town to another small town might first fly to a major city hub where larger aircraft service frequent flights. From that hub, the passenger can then transfer to a connecting flight to reach their final destination, making the overall travel experience more efficient.

This system contrasts with a point-to-point system, where airlines primarily operate direct flights between different destinations without relying on a central hub. Other models, such as a direct flight system or regional service model, either emphasize non-stop routes or serve specific regional demand without focusing on a hub as a connection point. Thus, the hub-and-spoke system stands out by creating a network that enhances connectivity across more locations through centralized operations.