Tue Dec 17 02:12:51 UTC 2024: ## India-Canada Air Travel Market Faces Headwinds Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

**DELHI** – Strained relations between India and Canada are significantly impacting air travel between the two countries, leading to a potential downturn in demand, according to aviation analyst Ravreet Singh. Singh’s analysis reveals declining passenger numbers, particularly from Punjab, due to a combination of political tensions and stricter Canadian immigration policies resulting in increased visa rejection rates.

This decreased demand is reflected in lower airfares, with Delhi-Toronto routes averaging US$775 and Delhi-Vancouver routes around US$660. While there are currently a record high 40 weekly flights between India and Canada (double the pre-pandemic level), the sustainability of this high number is questionable. In 2022, 1.36 million passengers traveled between Delhi and major Canadian cities, with Delhi-Toronto being the busiest route (706,000 passengers).

The impact is already visible. Neos Airlines recently announced a 50% capacity reduction on its Amritsar-Toronto route for February 2025, just two years after launching the service. Increased competition from airlines like Qatar Airways and the upcoming launch of Virgin Atlantic routes further threaten market stability and could pressure airline profits.

Air India, currently operating 21 weekly non-stop flights to Canada from Delhi, faces crucial strategic decisions. Singh suggests the airline might suspend a daily Delhi-Toronto service to reallocate resources to other North American routes or optimize its fleet.

Adding to the challenges, heightened security measures implemented by Transport Canada for passengers traveling from Canada to India are causing delays at airports. These measures, while intended to address unspecified security concerns, are further impacting travel times and potentially deterring passengers.

The situation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitical relations, immigration policies, and the airline industry. While the number of flights is currently high, the future of the India-Canada air travel market remains uncertain, contingent upon resolving diplomatic tensions and adapting to evolving market dynamics.

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