The new four-times-weekly service connects the UAE capital with Western Canada, creating more opportunities for tourism, business travel, and trade.
Etihad Airways has launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, creating a direct air link between the UAE capital and Western Canada. The inaugural flight, EY29, landed at Calgary International Airport on October 25, 2026, marking the first direct connection between Calgary and any city in the Gulf region.
The new service is expected to support tourism, business travel, and investment between the two regions while giving passengers easier access to destinations across Etihad’s international network.
Calgary is now Etihad’s second Canadian destination and its westernmost gateway, joining Toronto in the airline’s Canadian network. The inaugural flight was sold out, with government officials, airport representatives, and tourism leaders attending events to mark the launch.
Etihad’s Calgary Route Will Operate Four Times a Week
The Abu Dhabi-Calgary service will initially operate four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Etihad said the route would connect Western Canada with Abu Dhabi and offer onward connections to destinations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), India, Pakistan, Africa, and other parts of Asia.
Previously, passengers travelling between Calgary and Abu Dhabi generally had to connect through another international airport. The nonstop service removes that transfer for travellers between the two cities and gives passengers in Alberta another option for long-haul journeys.
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad Airways’ chief operations and guest officer, described the launch as an important step in the airline’s expansion in Canada.
“Canada is a very important market for Etihad. We have been flying to Toronto for many years, and we are excited to become the first Gulf carrier to serve a second Canadian city,” he said.
Al Marzouqi said Etihad would initially operate four weekly flights, with the possibility of moving to daily services depending on demand.
“Calgary offers tremendous opportunities for both tourism and business, particularly in the energy sector. The new route will also provide convenient one-stop connections to India and the wider subcontinent through Abu Dhabi,” he added.
New Route Connects Alberta’s Business Sector With Gulf Markets
Alberta is known for its energy industry, business activity, and investment opportunities. The direct connection is expected to make travel easier for executives, investors, and companies operating between Canada, the UAE, and markets served by Etihad.
The launch has been welcomed by provincial officials, who see the route as another way to expand Alberta’s international commercial links.
Joseph Schow, Alberta’s minister of jobs, economy, trade, and immigration, said the new service reflected the province’s growing connections with international markets.
“The arrival of Etihad Airways in Calgary is another sign of Alberta’s growing connections around the world. Our recent trade missions are translating into commercial momentum, reflecting confidence in our market and recognition of the value our province offers,” he said.
Schow added that the route would help connect Alberta businesses and travellers with markets across the Gulf region and beyond, supporting trade, investment, and tourism.
Calgary Opens a New Gateway to the Canadian Rockies
The new flight also gives UAE residents a direct route to Calgary, a gateway to the Canadian Rockies and destinations such as Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Visitors can explore the region’s mountain scenery, lakes, outdoor activities, and winter tourism attractions. The route may also make it easier for travellers from the UAE and nearby markets to plan trips to Western Canada without an additional international flight connection.
For Canadian visitors, the service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural and leisure attractions, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island.
Passengers can also use Abu Dhabi as a connecting point for onward travel or consider Etihad’s stopover program to spend time in the UAE capital before continuing their journey.
Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said the route could create opportunities beyond simply connecting two cities.
“Some routes immediately feel significant, not simply because they connect two destinations, but because of the opportunities they create. Calgary is one of those routes,” he said.
Neves added that the service reflected the airline’s continued investment in its network, fleet, and passenger experience. He described Abu Dhabi and Calgary as destinations with growing economies and strong international connections.
“Calgary represents an exciting new chapter in Etihad’s growth story. We are proud to mark this milestone alongside our partners and look forward to building a long-lasting connection between Western Canada, Abu Dhabi, and the destinations across Etihad’s growing global network,” he said.
Calgary Airport and Tourism Leaders Welcome Etihad
Calgary Airports said the new service would expand the city’s international connections and provide additional options for passengers travelling between Western Canada and the Middle East.
“Today, the distance between Calgary and Abu Dhabi feels a whole lot shorter,” said Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of Calgary Airports.
“With Etihad’s arrival at YYC, we are creating a direct link between two dynamic regions as we open Calgary to the world and the world to Calgary,” he added.
Tourism Calgary also welcomed the route, pointing to the city’s mix of urban attractions and access to natural destinations.
Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO of Tourism Calgary, said the service would help bring more international visitors to the region.
“Calgary is a fast-growing, diverse city with incredible landscapes and experiences to discover. We are thrilled to welcome more travelers from around the world with our signature warm, western hospitality that makes a trip to Calgary unforgettable,” she said.
The route forms part of Etihad’s wider effort to expand its international network and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a connecting point for global travel.
What Passengers Can Expect on the Boeing 787-9
Etihad will operate the route using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, configured with business and Economy cabins and a stated total capacity of 303 passengers.
The aircraft’s cabin features include:
- Business Class: 32 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, with fully flat beds, privacy doors, and direct aisle access.
- Economy Class: 271 seats in a 3-3-3 layout, with adjustable headrests and options for extra legroom.
- Entertainment: 17.3-inch 4K touchscreens in Business Class and 13.3-inch screens in Economy.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio, and charging facilities.
- Dining: Complimentary meals and beverages in Economy, with à la carte dining in Business Class.
- Comfort: Premium bedding in Business Class and adjustable seating features in Economy.
The aircraft is designed for long-haul travel, with cabin features intended to support passenger comfort on the journey between Abu Dhabi and Calgary.
Abu Dhabi-Calgary Flight Schedule
The service began on October 25, 2026, and is scheduled to operate four times weekly.
- Route: Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Calgary (YYC)
- Launch date: October 25, 2026
- Frequency: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Outbound flight: EY29 departs Abu Dhabi at 2:25 a.m. and arrives in Calgary at 7 a.m.
- Return flight: EY30 departs Calgary at 1 p.m. and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 12:55 p.m. the following day.
Etihad has said it may increase the service to daily flights depending on demand. The new route gives travellers a direct connection between the UAE and Western Canada while creating additional opportunities for tourism, business travel, and commercial cooperation.
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New air corridor links UAE and Western Canada, enhancing tourism and trade ties.
Source: Gulf News
