Air India Removes Fuel Stop on Delhi-Toronto Route, Deploys New B787-9

The airline removes the Vienna fuel stop on Delhi-Toronto flights from 1 August 2026 and plans to deploy its new Boeing 787-9 with Premium Economy.

Air India Premium Economy. Photo Courtesy: Air India
Air India Premium Economy. Photo Courtesy: Air India

Air India has removed the enroute fuel stop on its Delhi-Toronto nonstop route. The change takes effect from 1 August 2026. The airline deploys its brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft to operate the sector directly, subject to available airspace.

Faster Journeys Between India and Canada

The fuel stop previously added significant time to the journey. Air India cuts flying time from around 20 hours to 17 hours on the outbound leg. The return Toronto-Delhi service continues nonstop, taking up to 16 hours. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson called Toronto one of the airline’s most important international gateways. He pointed to Canada’s large Indian diaspora community as a key driver behind the upgrade. Wilson added that deploying the new aircraft brings Air India’s latest cabin products to North America for the first time.

Daily Flights Resume From 1 August

Air India restores daily flights on the Delhi-Toronto nonstop route from 1 August, up from five weekly services. The airline had briefly cut frequency between June and July 2026. Rising fuel prices and geopolitical developments disrupted operating conditions during that period. Air India now brings the route back to full daily strength, signalling renewed confidence in demand on this corridor.

Photo Courtesy: Air India

Photo Courtesy: Air India

Premium Economy Arrives on the Route

The new Boeing 787-9 introduces Premium Economy on the Delhi-Toronto nonstop route for the first time. The aircraft carries 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 Economy seats across a three-class layout. Business Class delivers 79-inch flat beds with direct aisle access, wireless charging and 17-inch 4K touchscreens. Premium Economy seats sit in a 2-3-2 layout with 38-inch pitch, adjustable headrests and adjustable leg and calf rests. Economy seats gain 11.6-inch touchscreens and built-in device holders, sharpening comfort across every cabin.

A Refreshed Onboard Experience

Air India equips the aircraft with the Thales AVANT Up entertainment system, offering over 3,000 hours of content across all cabins. The system adds Bluetooth audio, USB-A and USB-C ports and AC power outlets throughout. Mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions runs through the cabin design. The airline also refreshes its onboard menus, chinaware, glassware, bedding and amenity kits, sharpening the experience for travellers on this route.

Part of a Wider Fleet Push

The upgrade extends Air India’s rollout of new-generation aircraft across key international routes. The airline continues expanding its newest cabin products and premium offerings across North America. The changes position Toronto as a flagship route in Air India’s broader transformation strategy. For more information, log on to airindia.com.