Air Canada has announced the cancellation of a planned service operated by the Boeing 787 aircraft from London Heathrow to Mumbai for the upcoming winter schedule of 2026/27. The route, which was to operate four times per week starting October 25, 2026, was part of a triangular routing that originated from Toronto Pearson. Despite the termination of this specific service, the airline continues to serve its routes from Toronto and Heathrow to India using other aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-9, with plans for three daily flights on these routes.
This adjustment indicates a strategic shift by Air Canada in how it serves the Indian market during the winter months. The airline's decision follows similar moves by fellow Star Alliance member Air India, which has reduced services from Delhi to Vancouver and Toronto, citing escalating operating costs and financial losses exacerbated by rising fuel prices and regional geopolitical conflicts.
The global aviation sector remains volatile, with many carriers revising their networks in response to economic pressures. Air India's reported net loss of $2.4 billion has prompted the carrier to evaluate its international routes and consider significant cutbacks, including reducing approximately 100 daily flights across its domestic and international operations. Industry analysts note that such capacity adjustments are common during periods of financial stress, reflecting broader industry challenges in maintaining scheduled services amid uncertain economic conditions and rising costs.
