Etihad Airways has begun scheduled non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, inaugurating the first direct air link between the United Arab Emirates and Western Canada on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Service, schedule and aircraft
The carrier launched the route with flight EY29, which touched down at Calgary International Airport after a sold-out inaugural. The new service will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays using Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft will be configured with Business and Economy cabins.
| carrier | origin | destination | start date | weekly frequency | aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi | Calgary | 25 October 2026 | 4 | Boeing 787-9 |
Connectivity and commercial aims
Calgary becomes Etihad’s second Canadian destination and its westernmost gateway, complementing the airline’s existing Toronto service. Etihad said the link provides a direct connection between two energy hubs and will support tourism, business travel and investment flows.
“year-round sunshine” and a “gateway to the Canadian Rockies”
The route is intended to give travellers from Western Canada direct access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across Etihad’s global network, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Africa, India, Pakistan and other parts of Asia.
Network strategy
Etihad described the Calgary service as part of its North American growth strategy, which includes operations to Toronto and multiple destinations in the United States. The airline invited media on a tour of the 787-9 before passengers boarded the inaugural sector.
- First direct connection between Abu Dhabi and Calgary; inaugural flight sold out.
- Four weekly flights operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Boeing 787-9 to be used, with Business and Economy cabins.
The launch establishes a new air corridor between the UAE and Western Canada and expands Etihad’s capability to feed transfer passengers through Abu Dhabi while offering Calgary residents direct access to the Gulf and onward destinations.
