The Reinstated Air India-Air Canada Codeshare Agreement

A Renewed Alliance: The Reinstated Air India-Air Canada Codeshare Agreement Takes Flight

In a significant move poised to reshape the travel landscape between India and Canada, Air India and Air Canada have reinstated their codeshare agreement, effective December 2, 2025. This renewed partnership, a revival of a previous arrangement, promises to enhance connectivity, streamline the travel experience, and offer a host of benefits for the millions of passengers who journey between these two nations each year. The collaboration between the two Star Alliance members signals a deeper strategic alignment, particularly as Air India, under the ownership of the Tata Group, embarks on an ambitious global expansion.

The reinstated codeshare agreement allows both airlines to sell seats on each other's flights, effectively expanding their network without the need for additional aircraft. This symbiotic relationship is set to provide travelers with more flight options, greater flexibility, and a more integrated journey from start to finish.

A Look Back: The History of the Air India-Air Canada Partnership

The initial codeshare agreement between Air India and Air Canada was launched around October 2, 2014, marking a significant step in leveraging their common membership in the Star Alliance. This earlier partnership allowed Air India to place its 'AI' code on Air Canada flights across the Atlantic and Pacific, connecting its passengers to several Canadian cities via hubs like London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. In return, Air Canada placed its 'AC' code on various Air India international and domestic routes, including key connections to major Indian metropolitan areas.

However, the global aviation landscape was thrown into turmoil with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, as international travel ground to a halt and airlines faced unprecedented operational and financial challenges, the codeshare agreement between Air India and Air Canada was suspended. During this period, the then government-owned Air India suspended all its codeshare partnerships. The pandemic's devastating impact on the airline industry, which included a 60.2% reduction in air passengers in 2020 compared to the previous year, forced carriers worldwide to reassess their strategies and partnerships.

Now, after a five-year hiatus, the revival of this agreement under a transformed Air India marks a new chapter in the airlines' relationship and a significant development in the post-pandemic recovery of international travel.

The Reinstated Routes: A Gateway to Enhanced Connectivity

The reinstated codeshare agreement significantly broadens the reach of both airlines, offering passengers seamless connections to a wider range of destinations.

For Air India Passengers:

Air India customers will gain convenient access to six Canadian cities beyond the airline's existing gateways at Vancouver and London Heathrow. Air India will place its 'AI' designator code on Air Canada-operated flights on the following routes:

From Vancouver to: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montréal, and Halifax.
From London Heathrow to: Vancouver and Calgary.

This expansion will allow travelers from India to book a single ticket for their entire journey, with smooth transitions at international hubs.

For Air Canada Passengers:

Reciprocally, Air Canada customers will benefit from enhanced domestic connectivity within India. The 'AC' code will be placed on Air India flights to:

Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kochi via Delhi.
Delhi and Mumbai via London (Heathrow).

This provides Canadian travelers with easier access to a diverse array of Indian cities for business, tourism, and visiting family and friends.

Passenger-Centric Benefits: A Seamless Travel Experience

The core of the reinstated codeshare agreement is a focus on improving the passenger experience. Travelers can look forward to a range of benefits designed to make their journeys more convenient and rewarding.

Single Ticket and Unified Baggage Allowance:

One of the most significant advantages for passengers is the ability to travel on a single ticket for itineraries that include flights operated by both Air India and Air Canada. This simplifies the booking process and eliminates the hassle of managing multiple reservations. Furthermore, a unified baggage allowance means that passengers will have a consistent baggage policy for their entire journey, reducing confusion and potential extra costs.

Integrated Frequent Flyer Programs:

The codeshare agreement deeply integrates the loyalty programs of both airlines: Air India's Flying Returns and Air Canada's Aeroplan. Frequent flyers can earn and redeem points or miles on both airlines, maximizing the value of their loyalty. This reciprocity is a cornerstone of the Star Alliance network, to which both airlines belong.

Members of Air India's Flying Returns program can earn and redeem points on Star Alliance partner airlines, including Air Canada. While specific earning charts can vary based on the fare class and distance flown, the ability to accumulate points on a wider network accelerates the path to rewards. Similarly, Aeroplan members can earn points on eligible Air India flights, with earning rates determined by factors such as fare type and distance.

For redemptions, Air India's website allows online booking of award flights on select Star Alliance partners, including Air Canada. For other partners, bookings can be made by calling the service center. It is important for travelers to note that codeshare flights are generally not eligible for cabin upgrades using points.

Reciprocal Elite Status Benefits:

Elite status holders in both loyalty programs will enjoy reciprocal benefits, enhancing their travel experience. For instance, elite members of Air India's Maharaja Club will receive Star Alliance Gold benefits on Air Canada-operated flights. These perks typically include:

Priority Check-in and Boarding: Elite members can bypass long queues and enjoy a more streamlined airport experience.
Extra Baggage Allowance: A significant perk for long-haul travelers, allowing for additional checked luggage.
Lounge Access: Star Alliance Gold members have access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, providing a comfortable space to relax before their flight.
Priority Baggage Handling: Luggage is tagged for priority delivery, ensuring it is among the first to arrive on the carousel.

These benefits are designed to make the journey more comfortable and convenient for the airlines' most loyal customers.

The Strategic Significance: Tapping into a Burgeoning Market

The reinstatement of the Air India-Air Canada codeshare is a strategic move that reflects the growing importance of the India-Canada travel corridor. With over two million people traveling between the two countries annually, the demand for seamless and efficient air travel is substantial.

A Strong Diaspora Connection:

Canada is home to a large and vibrant Indian diaspora, with over 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin as of the 2021 census. This significant population fosters strong family, cultural, and economic ties, driving a consistent flow of VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic. The growing number of Indian students choosing Canada for higher education further fuels this demand.

Expanding Economic Ties:

The economic relationship between India and Canada is also on an upward trajectory. Bilateral trade has seen significant growth, and both countries are engaged in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This codeshare agreement will facilitate business travel and support the deepening of these economic links.

Air India's Transformation and Global Ambitions:

For Air India, this reinstated partnership is a key component of its broader transformation under the Tata Group. The airline is undergoing a massive overhaul, with a focus on expanding its international network, modernizing its fleet, and enhancing its service standards. The strategy involves developing major Indian airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru into global hubs that can compete with established hubs in the Middle East.

By leveraging codeshare agreements with partners like Air Canada, Air India can expand its global footprint more rapidly and offer its customers a wider array of international destinations. This codeshare is currently Air India's only such partnership with a North American carrier, making it a crucial link in its transatlantic strategy.

Air Canada's Focus on the Indian Market:

Air Canada has also identified India as a key market for growth. The airline has been significantly expanding its services to India, adding more seat capacity and new routes. This codeshare agreement complements Air Canada's own expansion plans, allowing it to offer its customers greater connectivity within India and solidify its position as a leading carrier between the two countries.

The Regulatory Landscape: Getting the Green Light

Codeshare agreements, while common in the airline industry, are subject to regulatory approval from the respective national aviation authorities.

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation oversee such agreements. India's National Civil Aviation Policy has liberalized international codeshare arrangements for designated Indian carriers. Airlines are required to inform the Ministry of Civil Aviation 30 days prior to commencing codeshare flights, and while prior approval is not explicitly required, the intimation to the DGCA effectively serves as an approval process as flight schedules must be submitted and approved. The permissibility of these arrangements is largely governed by the bilateral Air Service Agreements (ASAs) between the two countries.

In Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is the regulatory body responsible for approving codeshare agreements. The airlines involved must hold the necessary licenses and air operator certificates. If the bilateral agreement between the two countries allows for codesharing, the process is typically a notification to the CTA. If the ASA does not explicitly permit it, the airlines would need to apply for a special temporary authority.

The reinstatement of the Air India-Air Canada codeshare has been made subject to these regulatory approvals, which is a standard procedure for such partnerships.

Looking Ahead: A New Era of India-Canada Travel

The reinstated codeshare agreement between Air India and Air Canada marks a new era of enhanced connectivity and convenience for travelers between the two nations. It is a testament to the strengthening ties between India and Canada and the strategic vision of both airlines as they navigate the post-pandemic aviation landscape.

For passengers, this renewed alliance translates into more choice, greater flexibility, and a more seamless travel experience. For the airlines, it represents a strategic move to capitalize on a growing market and strengthen their competitive positions. As Air India continues its transformation and Air Canada expands its global reach, this partnership is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air travel between India and the Great White North. The journey ahead looks smoother and more connected than ever before.