Direct UAE–Calgary Flights to Boost Trade and Investment as Etihad Launches Nonstop Service

CALGARY / ABU DHABI( Rajeev Sharma):  The launch of the first-ever nonstop flight between Abu Dhabi and Calgary is expected to significantly strengthen trade, investment and corporate travel links between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Western Canada, according to aviation and business leaders.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will begin operating the route on November 3, 2026, with four weekly flights using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, providing a direct air bridge between two key energy and investment-driven economies.

The new service is designed to serve not only leisure travellers but also energy executives, infrastructure firms, financial investors and technology companies seeking faster access between the Gulf and Canada’s Prairies. Analysts say the route reflects growing commercial engagement between Alberta and Middle Eastern markets in sectors such as energy transition, aviation, agriculture, logistics and real estate investment.

By removing the need for connections through European or eastern North American hubs, the nonstop route is expected to reduce travel time by several hours, improve supply chain efficiency and increase the attractiveness of Calgary as a destination for foreign direct investment.

Calgary International Airport officials have described the route as a strategic addition that enhances the city’s global competitiveness and positions Alberta as a more accessible gateway for Middle Eastern capital and partnerships. Tourism authorities also anticipate increased inbound business travel linked to conferences, trade missions and sectoral investment forums.

For Etihad Airways, the Calgary service supports its wider international growth strategy and deepens its footprint in North America, complementing existing routes to Toronto, New York and Chicago. Through its Abu Dhabi hub, passengers will gain access to onward connections across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Europe, further integrating Calgary into global commercial networks.

Industry observers note that the route’s launch comes amid broader efforts by Gulf carriers to expand long-haul services into secondary North American markets with strong economic fundamentals rather than relying solely on traditional mega hubs.

Tickets for the Abu Dhabi–Calgary flights are now available, with businesses expected to be among the primary beneficiaries of the new direct link.