Etihad Airways opened its Abu Dhabi-Calgary route Oct. 25, adding the first nonstop Middle East-Western Canada connection as Alberta works to deepen trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
AeroRoutes reported in June that Etihad moved the planned launch from Nov. 3 to Oct. 25 and planned four flights a week on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Gulf News reported that inaugural flight EY29 landed at Calgary International Airport on Oct. 25. Alberta’s Oct. 23 itinerary listed Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow as scheduled to depart Calgary for Abu Dhabi on the inaugural flight.
Etihad announced the route in January with a Nov. 3 start date. The airline said it was its first nonstop service connecting Calgary with the UAE. Etihad and Calgary Airports described the route as Western Canada’s first nonstop connection to the Middle East.
Alberta’s government reported $490 million in two-way trade with the UAE in 2025. Exports exceeded $414 million, while imports totaled $75.2 million. The province identified the UAE as its largest trading partner in the Middle East and 11th-largest export destination overall, linking the air route to its efforts to deepen economic ties and diversify trade.
Alberta’s trade mission to the UAE is set to include energy companies attending ADIPEC 2026. Etihad said it expects the connection to strengthen commercial ties, attract visitors and encourage investment. Schow said closer ties with the UAE could help Alberta companies broaden their international operations.
The planned weekly schedule has also changed. Etihad’s original announcement listed Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday flights. AeroRoutes’ timetable for Nov. 1 through March 13 lists Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday service.
Gulf News reported that Etihad’s operations chief said daily service could be considered if demand warrants it.
