Etihad Airways successfully completes first non-stop flight from Abu Dhabi to Calgary

Etihad Airways has completed the first non-stop flight from Abu Dhabi to Calgary, marking a inaugural service between the two cities. The EY29 flight landed in Calgary Sunday morning, celebrated with a small ceremony at the airport.

The new route will operate four times a week using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, connecting Alberta and Western Canada with the Middle East and beyond. The arrival drew dignitaries from the province, the airport, and the tourism sector for a Western Canadian welcome.

Alberta’s government highlighted the milestone as a historic moment for Calgary and Western Canada, emphasizing the route’s potential to create direct links to the Middle East and other parts of the world. The outcome is framed as a collaboration among government, private business, the airport, and Etihad.

Travelers on the inaugural service expressed anticipation for reduced travel times, with passengers noting fewer or shorter connections compared to routes through Europe. Etihad’s regional manager for the Americas described the route as opening doors to greater tourism, business, trade, and investment opportunities.

Etihad stated Calgary’s status as a dynamic international connection and referenced its broader network, noting the city’s growth potential and the airline’s hospitality as part of the new market entry. The report attributes the milestone to concerted efforts among stakeholders and confirms the non-stop Calgary-Abu Dhabi connection.