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India becomes much more accessible with your Aeroplan points this winter. Air India is adding a nonstop Toronto–Mumbai route and increasing its Canadian service to 20 flights per week. As the airline is part of the Star Alliance network, these seats are opening up to Aeroplan members.
However, one quirk in the chart often surprises travellers. India is not listed in the Pacific zone, unlike Japan or Thailand. Aeroplan places it in the Atlantic zone, which directly changes the price of your ticket.
So here is the real cost of a flight to India, where Air India’s Maharaja Club program fits in, and how to earn the points you need.
Air India now operates three nonstop routes from Canada. First, Toronto–Delhi, nonstop on a 787-9 as of August 1, 2026. Next, Vancouver–Delhi, seven times per week. Finally, Toronto–Mumbai, a new route launching on October 25, 2026.
In addition, Air India becomes the only carrier to connect Toronto and Mumbai nonstop. The route remains seasonal and ends on March 26, 2027.
Aeroplan divides the world into four zones. Surprisingly, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives belong to the Atlantic zone, alongside Europe. Japan, South Korea, and Thailand fall under the Pacific zone instead.
This distinction matters, because the two zones use different distance bands and different prices. Toronto–Delhi covers 7,246 miles. Toronto–Mumbai also falls in the 6,001 to 8,000-mile band. So both cities cost the same number of points.
Air India is among Aeroplan’s “other partners.” Its award flights therefore follow a fixed chart, not the dynamic pricing applied to Air Canada flights. You know the price in advance, which makes planning easier.
Note that these rates increased on June 1, 2026. Economy class went from 55,000 to 60,000 points at this distance. See our analysis of the new Aeroplan award chart for details on the increases.
That leaves earning the points. Four Canadian cards earn Aeroplan points directly, with welcome offers that often cover the one-way on their own. Click a card name to see its current offer.
Air India has its own loyalty program, Maharaja Club. Many travellers wonder whether it is better to book directly with this program rather than with Aeroplan. The answer depends heavily on where you are starting from.
The program shines mainly on short United flights within the United States. Prices can be very low compared to Aeroplan.
For example, Miami–Washington Dulles costs 5,500 points with Maharaja Club, versus 15,000 points with Aeroplan. Taxes run around US$18 on these domestic United flights.
As soon as a flight touches Canada, the advantage disappears. Ottawa–Newark costs 10,000 points with Maharaja Club, which is exactly Aeroplan’s price. So the program loses its appeal for a Canadian departure.
In short, Canadians do not really have a way to fund a Maharaja Club account. Aeroplan therefore remains the most practical tool for flying Air India from Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.
A round trip in economy class requires 120,000 points, and 180,000 points in business class. A welcome offer can therefore cover a good portion of the trip—sometimes even the entire trip for two people.
In addition, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. This flexibility lets you wait until you find availability before converting your points.
To compare all the options available here, see our page on the best credit cards in Canada.
Once your flight is sorted, your hotel points take over. Marriott Bonvoy has by far the densest network at our two gateways: we count 12 properties in Delhi and 14 in Mumbai, from an airport Courtyard to a Luxury Collection palace.
The Aerocity neighbourhood, just minutes from the airport, concentrates the most convenient addresses after an overnight flight.
In Mumbai, the Sahar area borders the international airport, while Juhu sits right on the beach.
On the Accor side, the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity remains a safe bet for Accor Live Limitless members.
This list is set to grow, and rapidly. Marriott launched in November 2025 a brand designed for regional Indian hotels, Series by Marriott, in partnership with The Fern Hotels & Resorts. As of May 21, 2026, the group had 75 hotels signed under this banner, 50 of which were already open, adding over 3,556 rooms to the Indian portfolio in one go.
Furthermore, Autograph Collection has just entered India with the Noormahal, Delhi NCR Karnal, a two-hour drive from Delhi Airport. This 176-room palace brings the number of Bonvoy brands present in the country to 19.
Other openings are announced for 2026 and 2027:
For a Canadian traveler, the appeal of Series by Marriott lies in its positioning. The brand targets the regional mid-range market, meaning lower Bonvoy categories, often where your points are worth the most per night.
Finally, if you venture to the Taj Mahal, the ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa serves as a base in Agra.
Then, to build your itinerary on the ground, our North India travel guide lays out the classic stops between Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan.
India can be booked for 60,000 points one-way in economy class and 90,000 points in business class, with no fuel surcharges. This fixed price remains predictable, making it easier to plan well in advance.
With the launch of Toronto–Mumbai and the ramp-up of Toronto–Delhi, availability should improve this winter. Booking early is often worthwhile, as partner award seats go quickly. To refine your strategy, see our guide to Aeroplan points for travel in Asia.
Finally, subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with transfer bonuses and award sales affecting these routes.
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