Canada Expands Air Transport Agreements with Saudi Arabia and UAE

Canada has expanded its air transport agreements with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The announcement was made by Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu following negotiations at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 17th Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025) in the Dominican Republic.

Under the agreement, both countries can now operate up to 14 passenger flights per week, a sharp increase from four. 

The deal also allows unlimited all-cargo flights, up from three per week, and introduces open fifth-freedom rights for all-cargo services — permitting carriers to move goods between two foreign countries on flights that start or end in their home country.

The Canada–UAE agreement also received a major boost, adding 14 more weekly passenger flights per country for a total of 35, alongside unlimited all-cargo flights and open fifth-freedom rights. The expansion builds on recent announcements tied to the Prime Minister’s visit to the UAE, which included plans for more direct commercial service.

Airlines can begin operating under the new rights immediately.

“These expanded air transport agreements are a win for Canadian workers, businesses, and travellers alike,” said MacKinnon. 

“By opening the door to more flights, more competition, and more global connections, we are strengthening our ties with key partners, creating new opportunities for trade diversification, and giving Canadians more affordable options to see the world.”

Sidhu said the expanded agreements “will open new access for Canadians to key destinations in the Middle East,” adding that deeper commercial ties with long-standing partners create “new opportunities for Canadian businesses and exporters to grow, meet rising global demand, and build lasting connections.”

In 2024, Saudi Arabia ranked as Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner in the region, with two-way trade valued at $4.1 billion. Canada’s merchandise trade with the UAE totalled $3.4 billion that same year.

Canada now has air transport agreements or arrangements covering more than 125 countries.

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