Air India's New Non-Stop Route
Air India has announced a new seasonal, non-stop service connecting Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with Toronto Pearson International Airport. The three-times-weekly flight is scheduled to operate from October 25, 2026, to March
26, 2027, making Air India the only carrier to offer a direct connection between the two major cities during the winter season. This is a significant development for travellers, especially from western and southern India, who can now bypass the need to connect through Delhi or hubs in Europe and the Middle East. The route will be serviced by an upgraded Boeing 777-300ER, featuring first, business, and economy classes, adding nearly 2,000 seats each week between India and Canada.
The Crucial Baggage Lesson
Here is the most important piece of advice for anyone flying from an international location, including Mumbai, into Canada with an onward domestic connection: you will likely have to collect your checked baggage at your first port of entry. In this case, that’s Toronto. Even if your luggage tag says it is checked through to your final destination (for example, Calgary or Montreal), Canadian customs rules generally require you to reclaim your bags upon arrival. This is a critical step that catches many seasoned travellers by surprise. You must physically pick up your luggage from the carousel, proceed through customs and immigration, and then drop it off at a dedicated connections desk for your next flight. Ignoring this can lead to your bags being left behind in Toronto, causing significant delays and frustration.
Navigating Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
So what does this process look like on the ground at Toronto Pearson? After you deplane, your first step is to follow the signs for arrivals and Canada Customs. At the primary inspection area, you will use a kiosk to scan your passport and complete your customs declaration. You can save time by filling this out up to 72 hours in advance using the ArriveCAN app. After speaking with a border services officer, you will proceed to the baggage claim hall to retrieve your luggage. Once you have your bags, you will exit the customs area and look for the connections baggage drop-off belt. Your bags, already tagged for your final destination, can be placed here. You will then need to go through security screening again before heading to the domestic departures area for your connecting flight.
Planning Your Onward Connection
Understanding the baggage reclaim process is vital for scheduling your onward travel. A tight connection that might look feasible on paper can become impossible when you factor in immigration queues, waiting for luggage, and re-clearing security. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to allow a minimum of three hours between your international arrival and your domestic departure from Toronto. This buffer accounts for potential flight delays and peak processing times at customs and security. When booking your flights, be wary of itineraries with extremely short layovers. While airlines may sell these connections, they often don't fully account for the manual baggage process required for international-to-domestic transfers in Canada. It is always better to have extra time and wait at the gate than to be in a stressful race against the clock.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
To ensure your trip is as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind. First, when you check in at Mumbai, confirm with the airline staff about the baggage reclaim process in Toronto, even though it's a mandatory government procedure. Second, pack any essential items like medication, a change of clothes, and valuables in your carry-on bag. While there's no weight limit for carry-on with Air Canada, it must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin yourself. Finally, make your checked luggage easy to spot. A colourful ribbon or distinctive luggage tag can save you precious minutes at the baggage carousel, helping you get to your connection faster.
