ABU DHABI— Etihad Airways (EY) is entering 2026 with its strongest North American network in the airline’s history, offering nearly one million round-trip seats across the United States and Canada.
The carrier will serve eight destinations from Zayed International Airport (AUH), with Calgary International Airport (YYC) becoming its second Canadian destination later this year.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline is scheduled to provide 998,282 round-trip seats to North America during 2026, representing a 25.7% increase from 2025.
The figure also exceeds Etihad’s previous peak of more than 825,000 seats recorded in 2017, highlighting the scale of its current transatlantic expansion.
Etihad’s Expanding North America Network
Etihad’s 2026 network covers six destinations in the United States and two in Canada.
The U.S. network includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The airline is using a combination of Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft across its U.S. operations.
New York and Chicago receive some of the highest frequencies, while Atlanta, Boston and Washington provide additional links between Abu Dhabi and major American markets.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) remains Etihad’s established Canadian gateway, with daily Airbus A380 service.
Calgary will expand the Canadian network when Etihad launches four weekly Boeing 787-9 flights from Abu Dhabi, creating a direct connection between the UAE and Western Canada.
Etihad’s North American Capacity Reaches Record High
Etihad’s North American growth reflects a broader recovery and expansion strategy following years of reduced capacity.
The airline offered only 16,655 round-trip seats to North America in 2006, meaning its planned 2026 capacity is around 60 times higher.
The carrier’s capacity previously passed 250,000 seats in 2010 and 500,000 in 2014 before reaching 826,856 seats in 2017.
After declining during the following years and falling sharply in 2020, Etihad has steadily rebuilt its North American presence.
Recent network changes have also strengthened individual markets. Etihad increased Chicago to double-daily service and expanded Charlotte after the route recorded strong early performance following its 2026 launch.
Calgary Adds Significant Network Reach
Calgary represents an important geographic expansion because it gives Etihad its first nonstop connection between Abu Dhabi and Western Canada.
The service is scheduled to begin on November 3, 2026, using a Boeing 787-9, according to Etihad’s latest announcement.
The route will provide Calgary passengers with direct access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across Etihad’s wider network.
It also strengthens links for business, tourism and trade between Western Canada and the Middle East.
Etihad is continuing to adjust frequencies as demand changes. Planned winter changes include reducing Atlanta from seven to five weekly flights, modifying Chicago’s schedule and increasing Charlotte to daily service from December 16, Simple Flying reported.
With almost one million seats planned for North America, Etihad is positioning Abu Dhabi as a stronger connecting hub between the region, the United States, and Canada.
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