Etihad Lands in Calgary for Western Canadian First

A new airline will be winging over the Rockies to land on the runways of Calgary International Airport (YYC). The national airline of the United Arab Emirates (co-flag carrier with Emirates) will launch a 4X-weekly flight between Calgary and Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) beginning in November, 2026.

“The launch of our Abu Dhabi–Calgary service is both a significant and historic step in Etihad’s global expansion,” says Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. “By creating the only nonstop link between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment, while giving travellers direct access to two distinctive and globally important destinations.”

Related: Abu Dhabi for Solo Female Travellers: 10 Reasons to Put it on Your List

 

The flight will be the only direct link between Western Canada and the UAE, and is slated to be one of the longest operated by Etihad. Passengers will fly on the airline’s widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

 “This direct route is key to connecting our region’s leisure and business travellers to important locations in the Middle East, as well as a wealth of linked destinations in Africa, Asia and around the world,” enthused Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports.

This non-stop connection to Abu Dhabi opens up direct links for travellers to Etihad Airways’ network of more than 100 destinations in more than 40 countries.

 

At a glance

• Calgary International Airport (YYC) – Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH)
• Inaugural flight: November 3, 2026
• 4X weekly year-round – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
• Abu Dhabi departure 0845 │ Calgary departure 1805

Related: Abu Dhabi: Where Luxury is a Journey

 

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