In Photos: Etihad Inaugurates Calgary’s First Middle East Nonstop

CALGARY — Etihad Airways (EY) flew its inaugural flight from its home in Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Calgary (YYC) on Sunday, October 25, 2026, marking the city’s first nonstop connection to the Middle East.

EY29 and EY30 are operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with business and economy cabins. The year-round route is scheduled to run four times weekly on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“Today, the distance between Calgary and Abu Dhabi feels a whole lot shorter,” said Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of Calgary Airports. “With Etihad’s arrival at YYC, we’re creating a direct link between two dynamic regions as we open Calgary to the world and the world to Calgary. We’re proud to see this partnership take flight and even prouder to welcome Etihad’s first guests to Calgary.”

“This is a significant milestone as Calgary becomes more connected to the world than ever before,” said Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “Calgary is a fast-growing, diverse city with incredible landscapes and experiences to discover. We’re thrilled to welcome more travellers from around the world with our signature warm, western hospitality that makes a trip to Calgary unforgettable.”

The new route was announced in January, initially scheduled to begin on November 3. The launch was later brought forward by nine days. The first flight departed Abu Dhabi early on October 25, arriving in Calgary the same morning.

What the Route Means

Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said: “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.”

Business, tourism and visiting friends and relatives are potential markets for the new Abu Dhabi–Calgary flight.

On the business side, energy is part of the connection. Canada and the UAE have ongoing cooperation in energy and natural resources, including discussions about UAE investment interest in Canadian energy projects. For business travelers heading between Calgary and Abu Dhabi, the flight eliminates the need for a connection.

In tourism, the market could go both ways. Albertans now have a nonstop connection to Abu Dhabi, while travelers from the UAE and through Etihad’s hub gain access to Banff National Park and southern Alberta. Banff forms part of one of five nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites highlighted by Tourism Calgary. Connecting traffic through Abu Dhabi could bring more visitors to the region, a tourism opportunity Etihad has emphasized in its marketing for the route.

Finally, passengers visiting friends and relatives could be another market. Calgary’s South Asian population alone numbered 141,660 in the 2021 census. For those with family in South Asia, the Middle East or Africa, Etihad’s network through Abu Dhabi offers another one-stop option.

“The arrival of Etihad Airways in Calgary is another sign of Alberta’s growing connections around the world,” said Joseph Schow, Alberta’s minister of jobs, economy, trade and immigration. “Our recent trade missions are translating into commercial momentum, reflecting confidence in our market and recognition of the value our province offers. This new direct route to Abu Dhabi will help connect Alberta businesses and travellers with new markets and opportunities across the Gulf region and beyond, while supporting stronger trade, investment and tourism ties. We are proud to welcome Etihad to Alberta.”

Etihad said the inaugural inbound flight was sold out.

Festivities

Ahead of the inaugural YYC–AUH flight, Etihad had practically taken over gate D83.

A “Café” stand had been set up serving gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) and fresh dates, opposite a table of cupcakes with a cake at its center, adorned with a runway and a model of an Etihad 787.

Media were invited to tour the aircraft for a few minutes ahead of remarks from Schow, Reynolds, Dinsdale and Alpna Mathews, Etihad’s regional general manager for the Americas.

Some interesting gifts were exchanged between the executives, including a belt buckle from this past summer’s annual Calgary Stampede, a Calgary Flames jersey and a model Etihad 787 (one without cake icing).

With a ribbon cutting and photo opportunity, the celebrations gave way to preparations for EY30’s inaugural departure.