Air India-Canada Flight Cuts Expand as Fuel Costs Continue to Surge
May 11, 2026 Team Contributor
Air India has announced that it is scaling back its operations in Canada, as rising jet fuel prices continue to pressure the airline’s profitability and reshape its overseas travel routes.
The recent Air India Canada flight cuts have significantly reduced direct travel options between Canada and India, leaving passengers with fewer flights and higher fares during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
As per reports, Air India has reduced the Delhi-Toronto service from 10 flights per week to 7 in May, while the Delhi-Vancouver service has dropped from 7 to 5 per week.
Cirium, the notable aviation data firm, also highlighted that the round-trip flights between Toronto and Delhi fell from 48 to 31 in March, implying a 35% decline in the scheduled operations.
The airline has stated that Air India Canada flight cuts were decided primarily due to surging fuel prices and longer international flight routes, caused by airspace disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
In an internal memo reported by Campbell Wilson, Air India’s CEO, the airline stated it expects to announce further reductions in June and July as operating costs continue to rise. He also noted that many overseas flights have turned unprofitable to be operated under the current conditions.
Air India recently revised its structure of international fuel after the global jet fuel prices sharply climbed. As per the airline, average jet fuel prices rose to nearly $195 for every barrel by late March 2026, compared to around $99 just a month earlier, which is almost a 100% increase. The North America-bound passengers are now facing fuel surcharges of up to $280 for every sector.
Industry analysts also believe that the Air India Canada flight cuts reflect a broader trend of aviation where the airlines reduce long-haul services due to operational strain, fuel costs and weaker demand pressure margins worldwide.
The situation is particularly important for Canada, which is home to nearly 1.4 million residents of Indian origin as of 2021, making the India-Canada corridor one of the most significant long-haul travel markets.
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