Air India Makes a Big Move on Delhi-Toronto Route From August 1: New Boeing 787-9 to Cut Flight Time by 3 Hours… Here’s What Changes

Travellers flying between India and Canada are set for a major change from next month. Air India has announced that it will resume daily non-stop operations between Delhi and Toronto from August 1, 2026, while removing the current fuel stop in Vienna.

The airline is also bringing its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft to the route, promising a faster journey and a significantly upgraded onboard experience.

The move means passengers flying from Delhi to Toronto could save nearly three hours compared with the current service, which takes around 20 hours because of the enroute fuel stop in Vienna.

With the fuel stop removed, the Delhi-Toronto flight is expected to take approximately 17 hours, subject to airspace availability. The return Toronto-Delhi service will continue to operate non-stop, with a journey time of up to around 16 hours.

Air India to Restore Daily Delhi-Toronto Flights

Starting August 1, Air India will increase its Delhi-Toronto services from the current five flights a week to seven flights a week, effectively restoring daily operations on the route.

The airline had temporarily reduced the frequency of flights between June and July 2026, citing higher fuel prices and geopolitical developments that affected its operations.

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The return to a daily schedule is expected to provide greater flexibility for passengers travelling between India and Canada, particularly for the large Indian diaspora that regularly uses the route.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, highlighted the importance of Canada to the airline’s international network.

“Canada is home to one of the world’s largest and most vibrant Indian diaspora communities, and Toronto has long been one of Air India’s most important international gateways,” Wilson said.

He added that the deployment of the new Boeing 787-9 on the route is part of Air India’s broader effort to expand the availability of its latest aircraft and cabin products across important international destinations.

New Boeing 787-9 to Bring Premium Economy for the First Time

The biggest upgrade for passengers could be inside the aircraft.

The new Boeing 787-9 will introduce Premium Economy on the Delhi-Toronto route for the first time. The aircraft will feature a three-class cabin configuration with 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 Economy Class seats.

For Business Class travellers, the aircraft will offer fully flat beds, direct aisle access, wireless charging, larger entertainment screens and additional storage.

Meanwhile, Premium Economy passengers will get wider seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, along with a 38-inch seat pitch, adjustable leg rests and larger entertainment screens.

Economy Class passengers will also receive redesigned seats intended to make long-haul journeys more comfortable, along with upgraded inflight entertainment systems.

Air India Promises a More Modern Long-Haul Experience

The new aircraft is not just about reducing travel time.

According to Air India, the Boeing 787-9 will feature mood lighting inspired by Indian wellness traditions, along with a content library offering more than 3,000 hours of entertainment.

Passengers will also have access to Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB charging ports and AC power outlets.

The airline is also refreshing its onboard dining experience and amenity kits as part of its ongoing effort to modernise the passenger experience.

For travellers facing a journey of 16 to 17 hours, these small improvements could make a meaningful difference.

Delhi-Toronto Flight Schedule From August 1

The revised flight schedule for the route will operate under the following flight numbers:

• AI187: Delhi to Toronto — Departure at 1:45 am; arrival at 9:30 am
• AI188: Toronto to Delhi — Departure at 12:30 pm; arrival at 2:05 pm the following day

All timings are local. The Toronto-Delhi service will arrive in Delhi on the next day.

The airline has also clarified that the non-stop operation is subject to the availability of airspace.

Bookings Now Open for the Upgraded Service

Passengers planning to travel between India and Canada can now book the upgraded Delhi-Toronto service.

Air India said bookings are available through its official website, mobile application, customer contact centre and authorised travel agents.

The introduction of the Boeing 787-9 comes as Air India continues its wider fleet and service transformation. For passengers, however, the immediate attraction is simple: a daily non-stop flight, a shorter journey from Delhi and the arrival of a newer aircraft with Premium Economy.

After months of reduced frequency on the route, Air India’s latest move could provide a welcome boost to one of its key international connections.

For travellers heading from India to Toronto, the message is clear — from August 1, the journey is expected to get faster, more frequent and considerably more comfortable…