Air India has announced the reinstatement of its codeshare agreement with Air Canada, aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Canada while providing reciprocal network access.
The renewed partnership restores a significant Star Alliance collaboration, improving long-haul connectivity between South Asia and North America. This agreement allows Air India customers to have smoother access to Canadian cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montréal, and Halifax via Vancouver, as well as to Vancouver and Calgary through London Heathrow. Meanwhile, Air Canada customers will benefit from improved access to Indian cities like Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kochi via Delhi. Additionally, there are added entry points into Delhi and Mumbai through London Heathrow. The arrangement facilitates single-ticket itineraries, unified baggage handling, and reciprocal mileage benefits.
According to Air India’s network updates, the airline operates multiple daily services between India and key North American gateways like Toronto and Vancouver through direct or one-stop itineraries. The codeshare enables Air India to market additional Canadian domestic routes under its own code, effectively extending its virtual network to at least six Canadian destinations mentioned in the announcement. Passengers can also enjoy Star Alliance benefits such as priority services and lounge access for Maharaja Club elites on flights operated by Air Canada.
Statistics Canada reported that in 2024 India ranked among the top five source countries for international arrivals to Canada with over 300,000 visitors. Canadian traffic to India has also seen steady growth due to business links and a large Indian diaspora. Enhanced air connectivity through codeshares and alliance partnerships is identified by both governments and industry analysts as crucial for facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Air India serves as India’s flag carrier since its founding in 1932 and is headquartered in New Delhi. Now part of the Tata Group, it operates an extensive domestic and international network across various regions including Asia, Europe, North America. As a member of Star Alliance, Air India is undergoing a multi-year fleet and service transformation program which includes orders for new-generation Airbus and Boeing aircraft along with digital upgrades aimed at improving reliability and passenger experience while leveraging partnerships like codeshares for global expansion.
