Calgary welcomes its first Middle East nonstop as Etihad's Abu Dhabi route takes off

Etihad Airways' inaugural nonstop flight from Abu Dhabi, EY29, arrived at Calgary International Airport on Sunday, October 25, where it was welcomed with a traditional water-cannon salute. The route is the first nonstop air link between the Middle East and Western Canada, and Calgary becomes Etihad's second Canadian destination after Toronto.

The service

The new route operates four times a week using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with Business and Economy cabins. The journey covers about 11,500 kilometres and takes roughly 14 and a half hours westbound, making it one of Etihad's longer North American routes. Through its Abu Dhabi hub, the service gives Calgary travellers one-stop connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

An earlier start than planned

The route was originally announced with a November 3 start date, but the inaugural service was brought forward to October 25, nine days early, according to aviation industry reports.

Why it matters for Calgary

Calgary Airports said the direct link strengthens the city's international connectivity and gives passengers more choice. Alberta officials welcomed the service, saying it will help connect Alberta businesses and travellers with trade, investment and tourism opportunities across the Gulf region and beyond. Calgary is one of Canada's main energy industry centres, while Abu Dhabi is a major hub for energy, investment and financial services in the Gulf, and both sides have positioned the route as a channel for tourism, business travel, trade and investment.

Sources: Aviation A2Z and travel industry reports, October 25, 2026; schedules as published by the airline.