Flight to India: how many Aeroplan points should you plan for?
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.
Nonstop flights between Canada and India
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.
| Route | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto–Delhi | 10 flights per week by January 27, 2027 | Boeing 787-9 |
| Vancouver–Delhi | 7 flights per week | Boeing 787-9 |
| Toronto–Mumbai | 3 flights per week (Wed, Fri, Sun) | Boeing 777-300ER |
In addition, Air India becomes the only carrier to connect Toronto and Mumbai nonstop. The route remains seasonal and ends on March 26, 2027.
How much does a flight to India cost?
India is in the Atlantic zone
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.
The price in Aeroplan 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.
| Cabin | One-way | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Economy class | 60,000 points | Taxes, fees, and the $39 partner booking fee |
| Business class | 90,000 points | Taxes, fees, and the $39 partner booking fee |
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.
- No fuel surcharges: Aeroplan does not pass carrier surcharges on to partner awards.
- A stopover for 5,000 points: you can add a stopover of up to 45 days, for example in Europe, for a modest extra cost.
- Infant at a fixed rate: a lap infant costs 2,500 points, regardless of itinerary or cabin.
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.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $120 |
Maharaja Club: useful for Canadians?
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.
Maharaja Club’s strengths
The program shines mainly on short United flights within the United States. Prices can be very low compared to Aeroplan.
| Distance | Maharaja Club (economy) |
|---|---|
| Under 600 miles | 3,500 points |
| 600 to 1,000 miles | 5,500 points |
| 1,000 to 1,500 miles | 7,500 points |
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.
Why Aeroplan remains the right choice
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.
- No Canadian transfer partners: no Canadian credit card transfers to Maharaja Club.
- No link with Marriott Bonvoy: you cannot convert your hotel points to this program.
- Earning mostly reserved for Americans: the main earning path goes through Rove, available only to U.S. residents.
- No published chart: prices vary by zone and you must use Air India’s calculator.
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.
Earning the points for India
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.
- TD Visa Infinite Privilege* AeroplanMDMD (lounge access and free checked bag)
- American Express* Aeroplan Prestige CardMDMD (high earning and Air Canada benefits)
- Best Aeroplan credit cards (full comparison of current offers)
- Annual fee
- $599
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- $1,700
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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.
Where to stay in India with your points
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.
Where to stay in Delhi
The Aerocity neighbourhood, just minutes from the airport, concentrates the most convenient addresses after an overnight flight.
- JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Le Méridien New Delhi (Marriott Bonvoy), which we visited for you
- ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Aloft New Delhi Aerocity (Marriott Bonvoy), the most affordable option
Where to stay in Mumbai
In Mumbai, the Sahar area borders the international airport, while Juhu sits right on the beach.
- JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar (Marriott Bonvoy), which we visited for you
- JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu (Marriott Bonvoy), beachfront
- ITC Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Courtyard Mumbai International Airport (Marriott Bonvoy)
On the Accor side, the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity remains a safe bet for Accor Live Limitless members.
The Bonvoy offering is expanding rapidly
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:
- New Delhi Marriott Marquis Aerocity: in the same hotel district as the JW Marriott and Aloft.
- JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa: at the gates of the national park, for a safari stay.
- Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa: at the foot of the Himalayas.
- First quarter 2027: two major openings, 590 rooms in New Delhi and 110 in Mumbai.
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.
Conclusion
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.
Aeroplan points for India – Frequently asked questions
How many Aeroplan points do you need to go to India?
Plan on 60,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way in economy class and 90,000 points in business class on a partner such as Air India. Add taxes, fees, and Air Canada’s $39 partner booking fee.
Which Aeroplan zone is India in?
India belongs to the Atlantic zone on the Aeroplan chart, just like Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This classification often surprises people, as Japan, South Korea, and Thailand fall under the Pacific zone instead.
Can you fly nonstop to Mumbai from Canada?
Yes, as of October 25, 2026. Air India connects Toronto and Mumbai three times per week—Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—on a Boeing 777-300ER. The route is seasonal and ends on March 26, 2027.
Does Aeroplan charge fuel surcharges to India?
No. Aeroplan does not pass airline fuel surcharges on to partner awards. You only pay taxes, applicable fees, and the $39 partner booking fee, in addition to your points.
Is the Maharaja Club program worth it in Canada?
Rarely. No Canadian credit card transfers points to Maharaja Club, and the program is not a Marriott Bonvoy partner. What is more, flights touching Canada cost the same as with Aeroplan.
Can you book Air India premium economy with points?
No. Aeroplan does not price premium economy on partner airlines. The 28 seats in this cabin on Air India’s 787-9 therefore can only be booked with cash.
Can you add a stopover on the way to India?
Yes. Aeroplan allows a stopover of up to 45 days for an additional 5,000 points. This way, you can visit a European city before continuing to Delhi or Mumbai.
Which credit card should you choose to earn points for India?
Co-branded Aeroplan cards offer the best welcome offers for this type of trip. American Express Membership Rewards points also transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, adding flexibility.
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- $1,139
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