Western Canada’s First Direct Gateway to the UAE

Aviation history was made at the base of the Calgary Tower this morning, January 29, 2026, as Etihad Airways and Calgary Airports officials gathered to announce the first-ever nonstop flight between Western Canada and the Middle East.

Bridging the 7,184-mile gap between two global energy giants, the United Arab Emirates’ national carrier will begin 4x weekly service to Calgary International Airport (YYC) later this year. The move signals a major strategic shift in the North American aviation landscape, as Etihad bypasses traditional coastal hubs like Vancouver to establish a high-capacity "energy corridor" directly from Alberta to Abu Dhabi (AUH).

A Strategic Milestone for Western Canada

The new service, operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, is a direct result of the 2023 bilateral air agreement expansion between Canada and the UAE, which increased weekly flight slots from 21 to 35. This route is currently the only nonstop link between the Middle East and any airport in Western Canada, providing Alberta travellers with a massive time-saving alternative to connecting through Toronto, London, or Frankfurt.

“The launch of our Abu Dhabi–Calgary service is both a significant and historic step in Etihad's global expansion,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “By creating the only nonstop link between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, while giving travellers direct access to two distinctive and globally important destinations.”

Economic and Tourism Implications

The announcement comes at a time of burgeoning trade between the regions. In 2024 alone, Alberta exported roughly $303 million in goods to the UAE. Local officials expect the direct route to catalyse further growth in the energy, agricultural, and artificial intelligence sectors.

Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports, highlighted the route's role in global connectivity:

Calgary Airport is proud to partner with Etihad Airways to link two great cities. This direct route is key to connecting our region's leisure and business travellers to important locations in the Middle East, as well as a wealth of linked destinations in Africa, Asia and around the world.

Calgary – Abu Dhabi Schedule

The following details reflect the inaugural schedule for the brand-new service beginning November 3, 2026.

All times are local. Operations feature the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (28 Business / 262 Economy).

Elevated In-Flight Experience

The route will feature Etihad’s second-most-dense 787-9 configuration, designed specifically for long-haul comfort on one of the longest flights in the airline's network. Passengers will have access to the carrier's award-winning widebody cabins, which CEO Neves noted were designed to "stimulate two-way tourism and deepen ties between our regions."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the news as a validation of the province's economic standing.

“Alberta and the United Arab Emirates share a strong and growing partnership built on trade and tourism... I appreciate the commitment it has taken from all parties to build this relationship,” she stated.

With flights now bookable, the addition of Calgary as Etihad’s eighth North American destination marks a "bold and unconventional" expansion that places Alberta firmly on the map as a global aviation hub.