Perhaps EK has simply learned the same thing that I learned ever since my company lets me book business class.

Say I want to fly to India, or at least come back from India. When I book on .bomb (so on 016 stock), the flight to BOS via EWR is always priced $6K or more (fares in/out Asia). But then .bomb offers alternatives: go through Toronto, and save half!

Similar timings. Flat seats. Arguably better services, EWR not being especially recognized for its friendliness. And pay less.

So, I am telling myself that J must be really full on that DEL/BOM-EWR segment for United to send me to AC so brazenly (I would assume they will not make as much money with me if they do so). The sign of a full flight perhaps? Or a EWR/NYC market ready to pay that type of fare to go to India in J?

For sure, this is profitable to United. Hence, it attracks wannabe competitors. Normal. Whether they are subsidized or not.