NOW FLY DIRECT TO CANADA FROM NEW DELHI STARTING OCTOBER THIS YEAR

Air Canada is launching a non-stop service between Vancouver and India’s capital, Delhi, in October, thus securing for Vancouver International Airport one of the most sought-after routes in the local community.

Airline officials say the thrice-weekly flights will start on Oct. 20 — in time for the Diwali festivities, one of the most important holidays in the South Asian community. Air Canada said  Metro Vancouver’s enormous South Asian community has demanded the flight for many years. However, it was only with the addition last summer of the super-efficient Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Air Canada’s fleet that a YVR-Delhi flight made economic sense.

Other programs, such as YVR’s ConnectYVR rate program for air carriers, were also significant factors.

“The (ConnectYVR) program provides a highly competitive rate structure and includes rates lower than any other major airport in Canada and competing U.S. airports,”  Air Canada said in a statement.

Vancouver Airport Authority president Craig Richmond said the flight — which officials have worked on for at least three years — was among the most desired routes by the local community.