ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) has launched the first-ever nonstop flight between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Calgary (YYC), creating a direct air link between the Gulf region and Western Canada. The inaugural flight, EY29, arrived at Calgary International Airport on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The four-times-weekly service uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and aims to strengthen tourism, business travel and investment between the United Arab Emirates and Canada. Calgary becomes Etihad’s second Canadian destination after Toronto and its westernmost gateway in the country.
Etihad Connects Abu Dhabi With Western Canada
The inaugural flight EY29 arrived at Calgary International Airport on October 25, where airport representatives welcomed the aircraft with a traditional water-cannon salute. Government officials, airport authorities and tourism representatives attended the launch to mark the new connection between the two cities.
The route establishes the first nonstop air link between a Gulf city and Calgary. It also expands Etihad’s presence in Canada, where the airline already operates flights to Toronto.
The direct service removes the need for passengers travelling between Abu Dhabi and Calgary to connect through another international airport. It provides travellers with a more convenient option for journeys between the Middle East and Alberta, while opening additional connecting opportunities across Etihad’s international network.
The airline plans to operate the route four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Etihad will use its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering Business Class and Economy Class cabins on the long-haul service.
New Connections Across Etihad’s Global Network
The Abu Dhabi-Calgary route provides passengers departing from Canada with direct access to the UAE capital and onward connections to destinations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa, India, Pakistan and other parts of Asia.
Abu Dhabi serves as an important connecting hub for Etihad, allowing passengers from Calgary to reach multiple international destinations through a single connection. The service is particularly relevant for travellers visiting South Asia, where demand for business, leisure and family travel supports links between Canada and the wider region.
The new route also gives passengers in Western Canada another option for reaching destinations served by Etihad through Abu Dhabi. Its value extends beyond local traffic between Calgary and the UAE because it can connect passengers from both regions to a wider range of international markets.
For Etihad, the service supports its strategy of expanding long-haul connectivity and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as an international aviation hub.
Canadian Rockies Offer Tourism Opportunities
Calgary provides travellers from the UAE with access to Alberta’s mountain landscapes and outdoor attractions. The city serves as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, including popular destinations such as Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Visitors can explore mountain scenery, lakes, hiking trails and winter sports destinations. The region’s natural attractions provide opportunities for tourism operators to attract more visitors from the UAE and other countries connected to Etihad’s network.
The route also offers Canadian travellers a more convenient way to visit Abu Dhabi, with access to cultural attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
Passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi can also consider Etihad’s stopover programme, which allows eligible travellers to explore the UAE capital during their journey. The programme could help encourage Canadian visitors to spend additional time in Abu Dhabi before continuing to another destination.
The direct air link therefore creates opportunities for tourism in both directions, supporting travel between Alberta and the UAE.
Etihad Plans Further Expansion in Canada
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, described the Calgary launch as an important milestone in the airline’s Canadian expansion.
He highlighted Canada’s importance to the carrier and noted that Calgary is its second Canadian destination. Etihad initially plans to operate four weekly flights, with the possibility of increasing the frequency to daily services depending on passenger demand.
Al Marzouqi also identified opportunities in Calgary’s tourism and energy sectors. He said the route would improve access to India and the wider Indian subcontinent through Abu Dhabi, giving travellers additional options for connecting journeys.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the new route represented an important step in the airline’s network development. He highlighted the economic growth and international ambitions shared by Abu Dhabi and Calgary.
Neves also linked the launch to Etihad’s continued investment in its network, fleet and passenger experience. The airline expects the new connection to establish stronger links between Western Canada, Abu Dhabi and destinations across its global network.
Direct Flights Could Support Trade and Investment
Alberta’s government has welcomed the new connection as an opportunity to strengthen commercial relationships with the UAE and other markets across the Gulf region.
Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, said the service reflected the province’s growing international connections. He pointed to recent trade missions and commercial momentum as signs of increased interest in Alberta’s economy.
The direct route could help business travellers move between Alberta and the UAE more easily. It also gives companies in both regions an additional travel option for exploring partnerships, investment opportunities and commercial relationships.
Alberta has a major energy sector, alongside businesses involved in innovation and other industries. Direct air connectivity could support meetings, industry events and business development involving companies in Canada, the Middle East and markets connected through Abu Dhabi.
However, the route’s long-term economic impact will depend on passenger demand, business activity and how effectively companies use the new connection.
Calgary Airport Welcomes Etihad’s Arrival
Calgary Airports President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Dinsdale described the service as a major improvement in connectivity between Western Canada and the Middle East.
The route gives Calgary another direct international connection and expands travel options for passengers departing from the region. It also strengthens the airport’s role as a gateway for visitors exploring Alberta and the Canadian Rockies.
Alisha Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Calgary, welcomed the launch and highlighted the city’s diverse experiences, natural surroundings and hospitality.
Tourism officials expect the new service to make Calgary more accessible to visitors travelling from the UAE and other destinations across Etihad’s network. The connection could also help local tourism businesses reach new international markets.
For Calgary, the route adds a direct link to a major international hub. For Etihad, it expands its Canadian presence and offers additional opportunities to attract business and leisure travellers.
Etihad Boeing 787-9: Cabin and Onboard Features
Etihad will operate the Abu Dhabi-Calgary route with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a widebody aircraft designed for long-haul operations. The aircraft configuration described for the service accommodates 303 passengers across two cabins.
Business Class
The cabin features 32 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The seats convert into fully flat beds and include privacy doors, providing additional privacy on the long flight.
Business Class passengers also receive premium bedding and access to an onboard dining service with Ă la carte options. The cabin features 17.3-inch 4K touchscreens for inflight entertainment.
Economy Class
Economy Class accommodates 271 passengers in a 3-3-3 seating arrangement. Adjustable headrests and extra-legroom seating options provide additional choices for passengers on the long-haul journey.
Passengers receive complimentary meals and beverages, while 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens provide access to inflight entertainment. The aircraft also offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio and charging facilities, subject to the onboard equipment and service availability.
The two-cabin layout allows Etihad to serve both premium and leisure travellers on the new route.
Abu Dhabi-Calgary Flight Schedule
The published operating details for the new service are as follows. All times are local, and schedules remain subject to change.
| Flight detail | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Inaugural service | October 25, 2026 |
| Airline | Etihad Airways (EY) |
| Aircraft | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner |
| Weekly frequency | Four flights |
| Operating days | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday |
| Outbound flight | EY29 |
| Abu Dhabi departure | 2:25 a.m. |
| Calgary arrival | 7:00 a.m. on the same day |
| Return flight | EY30 |
| Calgary departure | 1:00 p.m. |
| Abu Dhabi arrival | 12:55 p.m. the following day |
The scheduled outbound journey takes approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes. The return journey takes approximately 13 hours and 55 minutes, based on the published local departure and arrival times.
Etihad has indicated that it could increase the service to daily flights if passenger demand supports the expansion. The airline’s ability to sustain and expand the route will depend on demand from leisure travellers, business passengers and customers connecting through Abu Dhabi.
The launch establishes a new direct connection between the UAE and Western Canada, with potential benefits for tourism, trade and investment. It also gives Etihad another gateway into the Canadian market and strengthens travel links between Calgary, Abu Dhabi and destinations across the airline’s international network.
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