Calgary – Alberta | October 25, 2026
Calgary International Airport on Sunday welcomed the first direct Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi, a historic step that opens a new air corridor between Western Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Inaugural flight EY29 arrived in Calgary, where the aircraft was greeted with a water salute to celebrate the launch of the new route, which represents the first direct air link between the Arabian Gulf region and Western Canada.
Four direct flights weekly
Etihad Airways operates four weekly flights between Calgary and Abu Dhabi using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, giving travellers a new option to reach the UAE and the Middle East without a stopover at an intermediate airport.
Abu Dhabi airport also gives travellers from Alberta access to additional destinations in Asia, Africa and the Middle East through Etihad Airways' international network.
New economic and trade opportunities
The Government of Alberta welcomed the launch of the route, stressing its importance in strengthening economic and trade relations with the United Arab Emirates.
Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, pointed to the opportunities offered by cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the energy, investment, trade and tourism sectors.
The launch of the flights comes as part of the province's efforts to expand its economic presence in global markets and strengthen ties with Gulf countries.
What does this mean for travellers?
The new route represents an important opportunity for Alberta residents, especially those wishing to travel to the Middle East, as it provides a direct route that may reduce travel time and eliminate the need for an additional connecting flight.
Ticket prices, however, will remain tied to demand, travel dates and seat availability, and it cannot be said with certainty that the new flights will always be less expensive.
✈️ Do you expect the direct route between Calgary and Abu Dhabi to make travel easier and strengthen relations between Canada and the Gulf countries?
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