/TORONTO

Air India's new Mumbai-Toronto route, beginning October 25, reopens direct award access after Air Canada's stopover-heavy alternatives. The 777-300ER will offer first, business, and economy cabins, all bookable via Star Alliance partners like Aeroplan and United MileagePlus. This is a ready-made market where 128,000 round-trip passengers flew BOM-YYZ alone in the past year, so expect competition for seats. The route runs through March 26, 2027, with thrice-weekly frequencies.

Air India's new 787-9 goes daily nonstop on Delhi-Toronto from August 1, 2026, shaving three hours off the westbound leg by dropping the Vienna refuel stop. Aeroplan's fixed partner chart prices business class at 90,000 points one way in the 6,001-8,000 mile band, versus Air Canada's own dynamic 256,000 points on the same route. No fuel surcharges, just the $39 CAD partner booking fee. The 787-9 brings Elevate Ascent suites in business with 1-2-1 layout and sliding doors, plus Air India's first premium economy on a Canada-India route—though that cabin can't be booked as an Aeroplan award.