Air Canada offers newer aircraft, better lounges, and direct flights from Vancouver—ideal for premium comfort. Air India is $500-$800 cheaper with authentic Indian cuisine and improved service post-Tata acquisition. Choose Air Canada for consistency, Air India for value and authentic experience.
| Feature | Air Canada | Air India |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Pitch | 78 inches (lie-flat) | 72-78 inches (lie-flat on new aircraft) |
| Seat Width | 21 inches | 20-21 inches |
| Direct Flights | Yes (YVR-DEL, YYZ-DEL) | Yes (YYZ-DEL, DEL-major cities) |
| WiFi | Available ($) | Limited availability |
| Meals | Canadian-Indian fusion, sommelier-curated wines | Authentic Indian cuisine, regional specialties |
| Lounge | Maple Leaf Lounge | Maharaja Lounge |
| Entertainment | 18-inch screen, latest movies | 15-17 inch screen, Bollywood library |
Air India consistently offers lower prices, with savings of $600-$800 on most routes.
| Route | Air Canada | Air India | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| YVR → DEL | $4,200 | $3,600 | $600 |
| YYZ → DEL | $4,500 | $3,800 | $700 |
| YYZ → BOM | $4,800 | $4,000 | $800 |
| YUL → DEL | $4,600 | $3,900 | $700 |
* Prices are typical business class fares for off-peak travel. Actual prices vary by date and availability.
Air Canada offers a more consistent premium experience with newer aircraft, better lounges, and direct flights from Vancouver. Air India is $500-$800 cheaper and offers authentic Indian cuisine with better Bollywood entertainment. Choose Air Canada for comfort, Air India for value.
Yes. Air Canada operates non-stop flights from Vancouver (YVR) to Delhi (DEL) and Toronto (YYZ) to Delhi. Flight time is approximately 14-15 hours. These are the only direct Canada-India routes.
Air India business class is excellent value in 2026, especially on newer aircraft with lie-flat seats. After the Tata takeover, service and catering have improved significantly. For $500-$800 less than Air Canada, it's worth considering for budget-conscious business travelers.
Yes. Air India is a Star Alliance member, so you can earn and redeem Aeroplan miles on Air India flights. Business class flights earn significantly more miles than economy.
Air Canada offers Canadian-Indian fusion cuisine with wine pairings. Air India excels at authentic Indian food—their biryanis and curries are exceptional. If you prefer Western-style meals, choose Air Canada. For authentic Indian cuisine, Air India wins.