Plot twist on the polar path: Air Canada is pulling a U-turn on its India schedule. After teasing daily London Heathrow to Delhi flights for Winter 2024/25, they’ve done a full about-face.
In This Post
DEL Cancelled Before Take-off
Originally scheduled to launch on 27 October 2024, Air Canada’s Delhi route (AC850/851) has now been scrubbed from the timetable entirely. No Maharaja dreams here. Delhi’s out before a single ladle of in-flight butter chicken was served.
BOM Is Back, Baby
Instead, Mumbai returns to the map on 26 October 2025, reinstating the previous winter seasonal service that quietly bowed out in March 2024. Here’s how the rebooted daily schedule looks:
- AC856 LHR 12:00 ➝ BOM 02:15+1
- AC857 BOM 04:10 ➝ LHR 09:20
Expect the usual Air Canada premium economy, maple syrup diplomacy, and a chance of very polite turbulence.
UK to Mumbai: The Winter 2025 Line-up
If you’re Mumbai-bound when the leaves fall and PSLs reign supreme, here’s who’s flying you there:
| Airline | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | LHR–BOM | 1x daily |
| Air India | LHR–BOM | 2x daily |
| British Airways | LHR–BOM | 3x daily |
| Virgin Atlantic | LHR–BOM | 2x daily |
| IndiGo | MAN–BOM | 3x weekly |
STC: Subject to Change, Chaos, and Canadian politeness
Pre-Flight Playbook: Heathrow T2 Tips
Flying Air Canada from Heathrow? You’re headed to Terminal 2, home to Star Alliance luxury.
- Got Star Gold status or flying in biz? Head to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, easily one of the classiest options at LHR.
- No status? Use your Amex Platinum or Priority Pass to sneak into Plaza Premium. They even do butter chicken if you time it right.
- Don’t forget: fast-track security and duty-free maple syrup spotting are both practically Canadian traditions.
Points Tip: Redeem Like a Pro
The Air Canada to India route is ideal for redemption hunters. Here’s how to play it:
- Aeroplan (Air Canada’s loyalty scheme): Transfer points from Amex UK or Capital on Tap. A one-way in business from London to Mumbai can be great value during off-peak.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Sometimes lists Air Canada redemptions (via ANA partnership magic). Keep an eye on this – it’s less predictable but occasionally golden.
Pro move: Look out for “Latitude” fares in cash bookings to upgrade with fewer points.
What This Means for Travellers
- Delhi fans: Look away. You’ll need to connect or switch carriers.
- Mumbai loyalists: Congrats, another Star Alliance option joins the fray — and one that (mostly) doesn’t run out of wine halfway through the flight.
- Points chasers: Lock in award space early. When winter hits, those lie-flats go fast.
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