Etihad to become the first airline to link Calgary, Alberta, to the Middle East
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has announced the launch of its first nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Calgary, marking a strategic new link between the Middle East and Western Canada. The service will begin on 3 November 2026, expanding Etihad’s global network and supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term goals to boost international trade, tourism, and investment.
The route connects two globally recognized hubs of energy, innovation, and culture, strengthening economic ties while creating new opportunities for business and leisure travelers.
It links Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy and cultural offerings with Calgary’s reputation as a center for energy, advanced manufacturing, and innovation, establishing a direct corridor for corporate travel, trade engagement, and sector collaboration.
For leisure travelers, the service opens a world of possibilities. Canadian visitors gain direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine, while travelers from the UAE and beyond can explore Calgary’s vibrant urban life and its gateway role to Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, home to some of North America’s most iconic natural landscapes. Calgary is Canada’s fourth busiest airport with 19.4 million passengers in 2025 and connections to 108 non-stop destinations.
Calgary is the latest addition to Etihad’s expanding long-haul network, following recent launches to Luxembourg and Palma. Each new destination reflects the airline’s strategy to open markets with clear economic, trade, and tourism relevance.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ CEO, said: “The Abu Dhabi–Calgary service is a historic milestone for Etihad. By offering the only nonstop connection between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, while giving travelers direct access to two remarkable destinations.
“For Canadian passengers, this means seamless access to Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and year-round experiences. For our guests from the UAE and across our network, it opens the door to Calgary and the natural beauty of Western Canada.”
Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports, added: “Calgary Airports is proud to partner with Etihad Airways to link two great cities. This direct route connects our region’s leisure and business travellers to key destinations in the Middle East and beyond, including Africa, Asia, and other global hubs.”
The route will be operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s Business and Economy cabins. Engineered for long-haul comfort, the aircraft delivers Etihad’s signature inflight service and hospitality on one of the longest routes in its network.
The launch will reinforce Etihad’s North American presence alongside existing services to Toronto, New York, Chicago, and Charlotte, which will begin operations in March 2026.
Flights are on sale now at etihad.com.
Calgary Flight schedule from 3 November 2026 – all times local:
| Flight | Origin | Departure Time | Destination | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY 29 | Abu Dhabi | 08.45 | Calgary | 12:20 | Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | 787-9 |
| EY 30 | Calgary | 18:05 | Abu Dhabi | 19:00 | Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | 787-9 |
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