Etihad Airways launches first direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Calgary
The new route, operated four times weekly, is the first direct air connection between a Gulf city and Calgary.
CALGARY · Etihad Airways has launched the first-ever non-stop flight between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, creating a new direct air corridor between the Gulf region and Western Canada. The inaugural flight, EY29, landed at Calgary International Airport on Sunday, October 25, where it was greeted with a water-cannon salute. The service will operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Calgary is now Etihad's second Canadian destination after Toronto.
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad's Chief Operations and Guest Officer, said the launch marked a milestone in the airline's global expansion. "Canada is a very important market for Etihad. We have been flying to Toronto for many years, and we are excited to become the first Gulf carrier to serve a second Canadian city," he said. Al Marzouqi said the airline plans to increase the frequency to daily services, subject to demand. "Calgary offers tremendous opportunities for both tourism and business, particularly in the energy sector," he added.
The new route eliminates the need for connecting flights for passengers travelling between the two cities. It provides direct access from Calgary to Abu Dhabi, with onward connections to destinations across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Africa, India, Pakistan and other parts of Asia. For UAE residents, Calgary serves as a new entry point to Western Canada and attractions like Banff and Jasper national parks. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, described the launch as an important development. "Some routes immediately feel significant, not simply because they connect two destinations, but because of the opportunities they create. Calgary is one of those routes," he said. Neves highlighted similarities between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, calling both ambitious destinations with expanding economies and strong international connections.
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Alberta government officials welcomed the direct connection as an opportunity to expand economic ties. Joseph Schow, Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, said the service reflected the province's growing international connections. "The arrival of Etihad Airways in Calgary is another sign of Alberta's growing connections around the world," he said. Schow added the route would help connect Alberta businesses with new markets across the Gulf region and beyond.
Calgary airport authorities said the launch improves the city's international connectivity. "Today, the distance between Calgary and Abu Dhabi feels a whole lot shorter," said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports. Tourism officials also expect the service to attract more visitors. Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO of Tourism Calgary, called the launch a significant milestone for the city. "Calgary is a fast-growing, diverse city with incredible landscapes and experiences to discover," she said.
With files from Gulf News