Air Canada and THAI Airways have taken their relationship “to a higher level” this August, with the signing of an expanded codeshare agreement promising a connectivity boost for India and Sri Lanka. The strategic collaboration will allow passengers to travel seamlessly from key cities in India and Sri Lanka to Bangkok and vice versa with direct connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Colombo. The expanded network caters to the increasing preference of travellers for quicker travel routes and provides customers with more choice, convenience and a better overall passenger experience.

In a significant move to broaden their reach and enhance travel connectivity, Air Canada and THAI Airways have announced an expansion of their existing codeshare agreement. Effective from August 21, 2025, the expanded agreement will provide passengers with easier access to an additional nine destinations, predominantly across India, alongside Colombo, Sri Lanka. This expansion allows passengers flying with either airline to seamlessly book flights across these new routes, significantly improving travel options between Southeast Asia, North America, and India.

The addition of these new destinations is a strategic development for both airlines, enabling them to tap into the growing demand for air travel between India and Southeast Asia. With both Air Canada and THAI Airways being part of the Star Alliance network, the codeshare arrangement strengthens their global position, offering more convenience and flexibility for travelers.

Expanded Coverage with New Codeshare Routes

Through the expanded codeshare agreement, Air Canada and THAI Airways will operate a range of shared routes, linking prominent Indian and Sri Lankan cities with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, the main international hub for THAI Airways.

These new routes will be operated by THAI Airways, enabling travelers to book direct flights to and from key Indian cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The routes will connect passengers to THAI’s expansive network, offering better connectivity to other Southeast Asian destinations and beyond.

Air Canada, in turn, will operate flights from Canada to Delhi, India, strengthening its position in the Indian market. The Montreal-Delhi and Toronto-Delhi routes will allow passengers from Canada to conveniently connect with the vast network of THAI Airways in Asia.

The Benefits of the Expanded Codeshare Agreement

The codeshare agreement between Air Canada and THAI Airways offers several key benefits for travelers, airlines, and the aviation industry as a whole:

1. Improved Connectivity Between Key Markets

The inclusion of Indian cities and Colombo in the codeshare partnership significantly enhances connectivity between Southeast Asia and India. Both regions have seen a rapid increase in passenger traffic, especially for business and leisure travelers. By offering direct connections between Bangkok and major Indian hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, the airlines can cater to a wider range of passengers, offering convenient travel options with minimal layovers.

For passengers traveling from North America, the expanded codeshare agreement opens up multiple routes to India, making it easier to explore key destinations across the subcontinent. This is particularly beneficial for business travelers, who often require flexible scheduling and seamless connections to their destinations.

2. Seamless Travel Experience

Codeshare flights allow passengers to book connecting flights on a single ticket, eliminating the need for separate bookings. This provides a seamless travel experience, with checked luggage transferred automatically to connecting flights, reducing the hassle of re-checking bags. Passengers will also benefit from coordinated flight schedules, which minimize layover times and improve overall travel efficiency.

3. Enhanced Customer Service

Both Air Canada and THAI Airways are known for their high standards of customer service. With the new codeshare agreement, travelers will enjoy the combined benefits of both airlines, from in-flight services to ground assistance. Whether traveling for business or leisure, passengers can expect smooth transitions between flights and well-coordinated service in both airports and on board.

4. More Choices for Passengers

One of the most significant advantages of the expanded codeshare agreement is the increased number of travel options available to passengers. The new routes cover both popular destinations and more niche locations, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether it’s a direct flight to a major metropolitan city or a regional hub, the codeshare partnership ensures that there are more flight choices and increased flexibility in terms of departure times.

5. Access to Star Alliance Benefits

As members of the Star Alliance network, both Air Canada and THAI Airways offer additional perks to passengers, such as frequent flyer miles, priority boarding, and access to lounge facilities at airports worldwide. For travelers who are part of a frequent flyer program, the expanded codeshare agreement means they can earn and redeem miles across a broader range of routes and destinations.

Strategic Importance of the Agreement

This expanded codeshare agreement also comes at a time when both Air Canada and THAI Airways are focusing on growth in key international markets. India, with its growing economy and increasing number of international tourists, is a market that both airlines are eager to capitalize on. Moreover, Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a growing tourist destination, is another key addition to the new route network.

Air Canada and THAI Airways are enhancing their foothold in these regions, striving to establish themselves as dominant players in the aviation markets of Southeast Asia and India. The collaboration also allows them to better compete with other international airlines operating in these key regions.

For passengers, this development brings better access to some of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. The ability to connect from Canada and Southeast Asia to India and Sri Lanka with fewer stops makes international travel more convenient and attractive. This partnership will appeal to a wide variety of travelers, from business executives and tourists to students and families, who can all benefit from easier access to these destinations.

Why This Expansion Matters for Travelers

The expansion of the Air Canada and THAI Airways codeshare agreement has significant implications for air travelers. Here are some reasons why this is an important development:

1. Increased Frequency of Flights

With these added destinations, travelers can enjoy more frequent flight options. The codeshare agreement will offer enhanced flexibility, particularly for those with tight schedules or last-minute travel plans.

2. Streamlined Booking Process

Travelers booking tickets for multiple destinations through the expanded codeshare network will find the process much easier. Instead of having to book separate flights with different carriers, passengers can now do everything in one go, saving time and reducing confusion.

3. Greater Travel Flexibility

The addition of these new routes means travelers can now plan their trips with more options. Whether they need to travel to a regional hub like Chennai or Kolkata or make a connection to Colombo or other destinations, the codeshare agreement allows for greater flexibility in planning and executing their travels.

4. Cost-Effective Travel

The ability to book a single ticket for multiple destinations, along with the combined loyalty rewards offered by both airlines, may lead to more cost-effective travel solutions for passengers. The flexibility in choosing from various destinations can also lead to competitive pricing, making it more affordable for travelers to visit different countries.

5. Improved Business and Leisure Travel

Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the expanded codeshare network means you can travel more efficiently. Business travelers can now easily fly between major cities in Canada, Thailand, and India with fewer layovers and quicker connections. On the other hand, leisure travelers looking to explore South Asia and beyond will find the new routes provide more convenient options.

The creation of a expanded codeshare agreement between Air Canada and THAI Airways helps to facilitate more travel opportunities from Canada to Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. The newly added nine markets to their network allows for greater choice, flexibility and service for passengers whilst the both airlines take a stronger foothold in key global regions. The new collaboration is poised to change the idea of convenience, for those who need transportation whether traveling on business to India or on vacation in Sri Lanka.

Air Canada and THAI Airways will offer enhanced connectivity between India and Sri Lanka this August, thanks to an extended codeshare agreement. Their partnership brings a range of travel options between cities in both countries via convenient connections which are designed to offer more flexibility and choice for passengers, fulfilling the growing demand for efficient travel routes.

As the codeshare evolves, customers will continue to enjoy access to various global destinations across the world and a seamless booking experience combined with travel fares coupled with all the benefits offered by Star Alliance network partner airlines. The Air Canada / THAI Airways partnership means that no matter if you’re flying for business or pleasure international air travel just got a lot easier.