Direct Flights Resumed Between Canada & India After 5 Months

Non- stop direct flights are resuming finally between India and Canada after around 5 months of restriction. Since Canada had stopped all direct commercial and private passenger flights from India on 23^rd April 2021, passengers had difficulty finding cheap flight tickets and had to travel via a 3^rd transit country. There was also the restriction that passengers from India had to get a negative RT- PCR test done in the 3^rd transit country before boarding the flight to Canada.

Since Air Canada has listed new travel regulations on its website after resuming direct flights, travelling via a 3^rd transit country is not needed anymore.

Air Canada has restarted Delhi- Toronto non-stop flights, where the first flight post-resumption is Toronto- Delhi AC 42, which is landing in its destination on Monday at approximately 9 p.m. From Tuesday onwards, the flight will take passengers to their destination.

Passengers must be WHO-approved fully vaccinated and they need to undergo an RT- PCR test or rapid PCR test within 18 hours of boarding the flight from the Covid-19 Testing Centre and Lounge at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3.

It is imperative to note that Air Canada will not accept any other tests from any clinic in India except for the 2 specified tests (RT- PCR and rapid PCR). This protocol applies even when you’re connecting from a different city.

Passengers may also be allowed to travel if they submit proof of a certified positive PCR test result that is taken between 14 and 180 days before their scheduled departure flight to Canada, as mentioned by Air Canada on its website, under ‘testing requirements for flights from India’. The rule for having a negative RT- PCR test report from the 3^rd country is not valid anymore, so passengers can book flight tickets directly to Canada.

Soon, Air India can also start Delhi- Vancouver and Delhi- Toronto non-stop direct flights.

Additionally, there are a few other basic regulations in place for the passengers, provided below.

• Every passenger must be double-vaccinated.
• Vaccines recognized by Canada are Moderna, Pfizer, Covishield, and Johnson. Other vaccines are not accepted as valid.
• Documents related to travel must be uploaded prior to departure on ArriveCan
• Passengers are advised to check recent updates on the website of Government of Canada.

Air Canada also mentioned to travel partners that ‘As your customers have an upcoming flight from Delhi with Air Canada, they must book their RT-PCR test prior to travel. In order for your customers to receive their results in time, we recommend they book an appointment no later than six hours before their departing flight. If they are traveling in signature class, they should look for a dedicated section at the testing facility. If they need further assistance, our airport check-in counters will be open 6 hours prior to departure. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to your customer’s travel plans. Thank you for your patience and understanding.’