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Sunset over the clouds seen from an airplane on a long-haul flight

India is one of the most popular long-haul destinations from Canada, for family visits as much as for holidays, and the nonstop map has changed a lot in the past two years. Airspace restrictions, high fuel prices and network cuts have led both Air Canada and Air India to add, trim and drop routes. This guide sets out what is confirmed for the 2026-27 winter season, how to connect through Europe or the Gulf when a nonstop does not suit you, and how to make one of the longest trips out of Canada less painful.

Schedules on Canada-India routes are being adjusted often, so always confirm the current timetable directly with the airline before booking, and check travel.gc.ca before you go.

Nonstop flights from Canada to India

All current nonstops land in Delhi (Indira Gandhi International, DEL) or Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International, BOM). Toronto Pearson (YYZ) has the most choice, Vancouver (YVR) has a single nonstop operator, and Montreal (YUL) depends on a seasonal Air Canada route.

RouteAirlineStatus for winter 2026-27
Toronto (YYZ) to Delhi (DEL)Air IndiaDaily, plus three extra weekly flights this winter; new Boeing 787-9 cabins introduced from August 2026
Toronto (YYZ) to Delhi (DEL)Air CanadaDaily, Air Canada’s main India route
Vancouver (YVR) to Delhi (DEL)Air IndiaDaily in the winter schedule; frequencies were cut earlier in 2026
Toronto (YYZ) to Mumbai (BOM)Air IndiaNew seasonal route, three times weekly (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), 25 October 2026 to 26 March 2027, Boeing 777-300ER
Montreal (YUL) to Delhi (DEL)Air CanadaSeasonal; suspended for summer 2026 with resumption scheduled no earlier than 25 October 2026. Confirm before booking

Two former Air Canada options are gone. In October 2026 the airline confirmed it will not bring back its winter Toronto-Mumbai service or its Calgary-Delhi flights via London Heathrow in 2027. That makes Air India the only nonstop operator between Toronto and Mumbai this winter, and leaves Calgary (YYC) travellers connecting through Toronto, Vancouver, Europe or the Gulf.

Why schedules keep moving

Flights between North America and India cross some of the world’s most sensitive airspace. Closures force longer routings, which burn more fuel and stretch crew duty times, and in 2026 high fuel prices led Air India to cut Toronto-Delhi frequencies before adding them back for winter. In practice, a nonstop booked months ahead can be retimed or cancelled, so keep an eye on your booking and make sure the airline has your email and phone number.

Connecting via Europe or the Gulf

A one-stop itinerary often widens your choice of dates and fares, and it is the main option from Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax or Winnipeg. Typical connecting points include:

  • Europe: London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt are common hubs on Canada-India itineraries, with good onward links to Delhi and Mumbai and to secondary cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Amritsar.
  • The Gulf: Dubai and other Middle East hubs connect a wide range of Indian cities. Regional conflict has disrupted some Gulf routings in 2026, so check for advisories on your connecting airport as well as your destination.
  • Within India: fly nonstop to Delhi or Mumbai and continue on a domestic flight. Booking everything on one ticket protects you if the long-haul leg runs late.

Best time to book and to fly

Demand between Canada and India is driven by family travel, so fares follow the calendar of Diwali, weddings and school holidays more than tourist seasons.

  • Book early for peak dates. The weeks around Diwali, the Christmas and New Year holidays, and March break are the busiest. Lock in these dates as soon as schedules are published.
  • Watch for seasonal routes opening. Seasonal flights such as Toronto-Mumbai and Montreal-Delhi tend to be announced months in advance. Booking soon after an announcement gives you the widest choice of seats.
  • Weather and sightseeing: the cooler, drier months from roughly October to March are the most comfortable for touring north India. Pre-monsoon heat is intense, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to Mumbai and much of the country.
  • Be flexible on airports. If Delhi fares spike, compare Mumbai or a one-stop to your final city; the reverse can also be true.

Layover and long-haul tips

  • Check transit rules for the connecting country. Some countries require an electronic travel authorization or transit visa even for a short connection, depending on your passport and whether you leave the airport.
  • Avoid tight self-transfers. If you combine separate tickets, leave several hours between flights, since a missed connection on a separate booking is your problem, not the airline’s.
  • Sort your entry paperwork first. Get your India e-Visa approved before you fly and file India’s e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before landing.
  • Pace the journey. Nonstops from Toronto and Vancouver are among the longest flights out of Canada. Choose an aisle, hydrate, and walk the cabin.
  • Plan for night arrivals. Many flights land in Delhi or Mumbai late at night or early in the morning. Pre-book your first night near the airport or arrange a transfer in advance.
  • Baggage allowances differ. Family trips often involve gifts and extra bags; compare the allowance on each airline and on any domestic connection, which may be lower.

Where to stay

After a long-haul flight, location matters more than anything. These areas work well on arrival:

CityAreaWhy stay there
DelhiAerocityBeside the international airport, ideal for late arrivals or early domestic connections
DelhiConnaught PlaceCentral, on the metro, close to restaurants and major sights
DelhiSouth Delhi (Hauz Khas and nearby)Quieter residential feel, cafés and easy access to the Qutub Minar area
MumbaiAndheri and the airport areaShort transfer for night landings and onward flights
MumbaiBandraLively neighbourhood between the airport and the city centre
MumbaiColaba and FortHistoric South Mumbai, waterfront and heritage architecture

Ready to compare prices? Check hotels and flights for your dates on Expedia.

Bottom line

From Canada, the nonstop options to India for winter 2026-27 are Toronto to Delhi on Air Canada and Air India, Vancouver to Delhi on Air India, and Air India’s new seasonal Toronto to Mumbai route, with Air Canada’s Montreal to Delhi flights scheduled to return for winter. Everyone else connects in Europe, the Gulf or a Canadian hub. Book early for Diwali and the December holidays, keep checking your booking for schedule changes, and check travel.gc.ca before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Which airlines fly nonstop from Canada to India?

Air Canada and Air India. For winter 2026-27, both fly Toronto to Delhi, Air India flies Vancouver to Delhi and a new seasonal Toronto to Mumbai route, and Air Canada’s seasonal Montreal to Delhi service is scheduled to return. Confirm current schedules with the airline.

Is there a nonstop flight from Toronto to Mumbai?

Yes, seasonally. Air India operates Toronto to Mumbai three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 25 October 2026 to 26 March 2027 on a Boeing 777-300ER. Air Canada has confirmed it will not resume its own Toronto to Mumbai route in 2027.

How do I fly to India from Calgary?

Air Canada will not resume its Calgary to Delhi flights via London Heathrow in 2027, so Calgary travellers connect through Toronto or Vancouver for a nonstop to Delhi, or fly one-stop via a European or Gulf hub. Book on one ticket to stay protected if a leg is delayed.

When should I book flights to India from Canada?

Book as early as possible for Diwali, the Christmas and New Year holidays and March break, when family travel fills planes. Seasonal routes are usually announced months ahead, and booking soon after an announcement gives you the most seat choice. Watch your booking for schedule changes.

Related guides

Entry rules, prices and schedules change often. Always check travel.gc.ca and official sources before you go. Sources: Air India expands Canada operations with seasonal Toronto-Mumbai flights – Travel Market Report, Air Canada cancels 5 major long-haul international routes – Time Out Montreal, Air Canada cancels flights to these Asian cities – Aviation A2Z, Toronto to Mumbai flights – blogTO, Air Canada expands service to India for Winter 2024-25 – Air Canada media room.

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