Abu Dhabi to Calgary in one flight as Etihad opens historic UAE-Canada route

Etihad Airways has launched the first non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, marking the UAE capital as a gateway to Western Canada.

The inaugural flight EY29 landed at Calgary International Airport, inaugurating what Etihad describes as a historic milestone for both destinations. The four-times-a-week schedule is planned for Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Calgary becomes Etihad’s second Canadian destination and the airline’s westernmost gateway, complementing its existing service to Toronto. The route is designed to connect with Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub for onward travel to GCC, Africa, India, Pakistan and other parts of Asia.

The four-weekly service is described as an initial step with potential to increase to daily flights if demand supports it. The aircraft on EY29 is configured with 303 seats across Business and Economy cabins, offering in-flight entertainment on 4K touchscreen displays and various connectivity options.

Officials from government, airports and tourism sectors welcomed the launch, highlighting potential benefits for Alberta’s economy and enhanced access between the UAE and Western Canada. The route is positioned to support business, tourism and people-to-people travel, including connections for families and multi-country trips through Abu Dhabi.