Etihad makes history with first UAE-Western Canada flight. Photo: Etihad Airways Etihad Airways has launched the first nonstop air service between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, establishing a direct connection between the United Arab Emirates and western Canada. The new route began operating on October 25, with four weekly flights aboard Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The inaugural flight, EY29, arrived at Calgary International Airport to a welcome attended by representatives of the Alberta government, airport officials and tourism partners. Etihad said the flight was sold out.
The service operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, giving travellers in Alberta direct access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across the airline's international network.
Calgary, Canada. Photo: ShutterstockThe Abu Dhabi-Calgary service connects western Canada with Etihad's network across the Gulf region, India, Asia and Africa. It also provides travellers from the UAE and other markets with a new direct route to Alberta, including Calgary's business districts and the Canadian Rockies.
Calgary becomes Etihad's second destination in Canada, joining Toronto, and its westernmost gateway. The airline said the route is intended to support tourism, trade and investment between Canada, the UAE and other markets served through Abu Dhabi.
Calgary, Canada. Photo: Shutterstock"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," said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways.
He said the launch reflects the airline's expansion plans and the shared economic ambitions of Abu Dhabi and Calgary, adding that the connection would create opportunities for travellers, businesses and communities in both regions.
Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, said the direct service would help local businesses reach markets across the Gulf and beyond. He also pointed to its potential to support tourism and investment.
Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of Calgary Airports, described the route as a direct link between two regions with growing international connections. Tourism Calgary president and CEO Alisha Reynolds also welcomed the service, highlighting the city's cultural diversity and access to Alberta's natural attractions.
Etihad is operating the route with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners featuring the airline's Business and Economy cabins. The aircraft offer the carrier's long-haul onboard service and connectivity to destinations beyond Abu Dhabi.
The schedule lists flight EY29 departing Abu Dhabi at 02:25 and arriving in Calgary at 07:00 local time. The return flight, EY30, leaves Calgary at 13:00 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 12:55 the following day. Both services operate four times a week.
For visitors travelling in the opposite direction, Calgary offers access to Banff and Jasper national parks and the Canadian Rockies, alongside a business economy with established links to the energy and investment sectors.
Etihad also promotes its Abu Dhabi stopover programme, allowing passengers travelling through the UAE capital to add time in the city to their journey.
The new route forms part of the airline's wider network expansion and adds another direct connection between the Middle East and North America.