In a significant boost for travel between India and Canada, Air India has officially reinstated its codeshare agreement with Air Canada, ending a five-year suspension that began during the Covid-19 pandemic. The partnership is set to resume operations on December 2, 2025, pending final regulatory approvals.
Expanded Network for Passengers
This revived partnership will dramatically expand the travel options for flyers. Passengers will benefit from the convenience of single-ticket travel on combined flights operated by both carriers. This type of agreement allows airlines to sell seats on each other's flights, significantly widening the network of destinations they can offer without operating their own planes.
For Air India, this means its customers can now easily access six key points across Canada beyond its existing direct gateways. The airline will place its 'AI' designator code on Air Canada-operated flights on specific routes.
Key Routes Under the New Agreement
The codeshare will allow Air India to offer connections from Vancouver to several major Canadian cities, enhancing travel for the large Indian diaspora and business travellers. The confirmed routes include:
- From Vancouver to: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montréal, and Halifax
- From London Heathrow to: Vancouver and Calgary
In a reciprocal arrangement, Air Canada customers will gain seamless access to the Indian domestic market. They can connect via Delhi to cities like Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kochi, as well as to Delhi and Mumbai via London Heathrow.
A Major Step for India-Canada Travel
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, highlighted the importance of this reinstatement for the vast travel corridor between the two nations. "More than two million people travel between India and Canada every year, as families reunite, students pursue their dreams, and businesses build for tomorrow," Wilson stated. "The reinstatement of our partnership with Air Canada eases journeys for thousands of them every day moving forward."
He further emphasized Air India's commitment as a Star Alliance member, noting the airline's dedication to providing seamless global journeys. This partnership is currently Air India's only codeshare with a North American carrier, marking a pivotal step in its ongoing transformation under the Tata Group's ownership.
Enhanced Passenger Benefits
Travellers booking itineraries that combine Air India and Air Canada flights will enjoy a host of integrated benefits. These include a unified baggage allowance and the ability to travel on a single ticket, simplifying the entire journey.
Frequent flyers also have much to gain. Members can continue to earn and redeem miles on both airlines. Furthermore, elite status holders in Air India's Maharaja Club loyalty programme will retain their Star Alliance Gold benefits on Air Canada-operated flights. These premium perks include priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage allowance, and complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.
The original suspension in 2020 was part of a broader halt in Air India's codeshare partnerships with all carriers during the pandemic when the airline was still government-owned. Its revival signals a strong recovery and a new strategic direction for the carrier.
