What is a hub in relation to airline operations?

A hub in airline operations refers to a strategic location where major airline activities are concentrated. It serves as a central connecting point for flights, allowing passengers to transfer between different routes efficiently. Hubs are typically situated in larger airports that can handle a high volume of air traffic and provide a range of amenities and services.

Airlines use hubs to optimize their operations, as they can consolidate flights and maximize passenger loads. For instance, flights from various smaller cities often converge at a hub, where passengers can switch planes to reach their final destination, whether that be domestic or international. This network of transferring passengers through hubs is crucial for airline efficiency and profitability.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of airport operations but do not accurately define the concept of a hub within the context of airline operations. For example, a minor airport for regional flights does not possess the capacity or strategic importance of a hub; an international terminal for customs refers to facilities for processing international passengers, and a specific flight route does not encompass the broader function of a hub as a central point for traffic and logistics management.