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On August 1, 2026, Air India is launching daily non-stop flights between Toronto and Delhi on its new 787-9s, improving flight time, frequency, and experience. This change is part of Air India’s overhaul, which has included re-branding, new airplanes, new airport lounges, and more.
With Air India being part of the Star Alliance network, Canadians will be able to book travel on these new planes using Aeroplan points, making this addition even more welcome to the international travel landscape.
Read on to learn more about this launch, the new 787-9 fleet, and how to book your trip to India with Aeroplan points.
Key Details
Air India’s improved route offerings between Toronto (YYZ) and Delhi (DEL) will launch on August 1, 2026. The route is designed to improve the flight time between the two cities by eliminating the need for a fuelling stop in Vienna. However, Air India does note that « the removal of the fuel stop is subject to available airspaces, » so the full implementation of the non-stop routes may be more of a staggered roll out.
That said, here are the key details for the launch:
- Daily flights: The new 787-9s will service the Toronto–Delhi route 7 days a week, improving on the previous schedule of 5 days a week.
- Non-stop flights: The new flights will be non-stop, shortening travel time to 16–17.5 hours each way. This is compared to the 20-hour travel time for the previous (and ongoing) Delhi to Toronto route (AI 190 on Air India’s 777-300ER) that involves a refuelling stop in Vienna.
- New equipment: The new route will be serviced entirely by Air India’s new fleet of 787-9s, making the trip more comfortable and well equipped.
The new Air India flights are as follows:
- AI 187: Delhi (DEL) to Toronto (YYZ), departing at 0145 and arriving at 0930
- AI 188: Toronto (YYZ) to Delhi (DEL), departing at 1230 and arriving at 1405 (next day)
Air India’s New 787-9 Aircraft
Air India’s new 787-9 aircraft has a three-cabin configuration which include 238 economy class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 30 business class seats.
As part of Air India’s ongoing overhaul, the new planes also include a refreshed onboard experience, with new menus, over 3,000 hours of available entertainment, improved seating, curated amenities in business class, and more.
Book with Aeroplan
Conveniently for Canadians, Air India is part of the Star Alliance network (alongside Air Canada and 24 other airlines), so Aeroplan members can use their accumulated points to book award flights on the new non-stop routes.
As a partner airline, Air India redemptions are priced based on a fixed distance-based chart and are therefore not subject to the dynamic pricing that Aeroplan imposes on Air Canada’s award flights. Given this, the redemption structure is actually quite straightforward.
Aeroplan members can expect to redeem 60,000 Aeroplan points for an economy class flight and 90,000 Aeroplan points for business class, plus taxes, fees, and Air Canada’s $39 partner booking fee. Unfortunately, Aeroplan doesn’t price premium economy award fares for partner airlines, so the 787-9’s new middle cabin is only available by paying cash.
Additionally, based on our research, not all of the new non-stop flights are available to be booked at this time (though some are). Our assumption is that Air India will continue to add these flights in as the new fleet is launched and available airspaces are approved.
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Bottom Line
Air India is improving its flight availability and experience between Toronto and Delhi with the introduction of its new 787-9 aircraft on a new non-stop route between these cities. The new daily route launches on August 1, 2026, and we expect them to be fully available through all booking channels shortly.
The new and improved route, aircraft, and flight experiences can be experienced by Canadians via cash fares or by redeeming Aeroplan points, thanks to Air India’s membership in the Star Alliance network.
We’ve written a great guide to travelling in North India, so check those out if you’re looking for inspiration, and of course, we always recommend our guide to the best credit cards in Canada to help you earn rewards, save money, and improve your travels in every way.
FAQs
When does Air India launch its new direct Toronto–Delhi routes?
Air India launches its new direct Toronto–Delhi routes on August 1, 2026. Cash fares are already loaded and bookable across regular booking portals, while award availability with Aeroplan points is still being added progressively.
How long are Air India’s direct flights between Toronto and Delhi?
Air India’s direct flights between Toronto and Delhi are between 16 and 17.5 hours depending on the direction of travel and the weather during the trip.
Can I book an Air India flight with Aeroplan points?
Yes, you can book Air India flights with Aeroplan points. The airlines are partners via the Star Alliance network, making it possible to redeem Aeroplan points for Air India’s new direct flights between Toronto and Delhi, and for the rest of Air India’s destination network.
How many Aeroplan points do I need to fly Air India between Toronto and Delhi?
One-way award flights on Air India between Toronto and Delhi cost 60,000 Aeroplan points in economy class and 90,000 Aeroplan points in business class, plus taxes, fees, and Air Canada’s $39 partner booking fee.
Does Air India’s new 787-9 have a premium economy cabin?
Yes, the new 787-9s feature 28 premium economy seats, alongside 30 business class suites and 238 economy class seats. However, Aeroplan doesn’t price premium economy awards on partner airlines, so this cabin can only be booked with cash.
Do Aeroplan bookings on Air India include fuel surcharges?
No. Aeroplan doesn’t pass on carrier fuel surcharges on partner award bookings. You only pay the taxes, fees, and Air Canada’s $39 partner booking fee on top of your points.
