One benefit of the hub-and-spoke system for airlines is that it allows them to:

The hub-and-spoke system is a network design that allows airlines to consolidate flights through a central hub, thereby enabling them to efficiently manage routes and passenger logistics. When airlines use this system, they can maximize passenger loads by connecting smaller regional airports directly to the main hub, where they can then catch flights to various destinations. This configuration is advantageous because it allows for fewer flights to larger cities while making it possible for airlines to fill planes more effectively. This increased capacity utilization leads to better fuel efficiency and cost savings for the airline.

In contrast, options that imply a reduction in travel time, an increase in ticket prices, or the exclusivity of direct flights only to larger cities do not capture the essence of what the hub-and-spoke model aims to achieve in the airline industry. Instead, the model is primarily focused on optimizing connections and enhancing overall operational efficiency rather than concentrating solely on direct routes or pricing strategies.