Etihad Airways Launches First‑Ever Nonstop Flights Between UAE and Calgary

Etihad Airways has launched its first‑ever nonstop service between the United Arab Emirates and Calgary, marking a significant expansion of its North American network and strengthening air connectivity between the Middle East and western Canada.

The new route provides direct links between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, offering improved travel options for business travellers, tourists and visiting‑friends‑and‑relatives traffic. Calgary becomes Etihad’s newest destination in Canada, complementing existing services to major eastern gateways.

The launch reflects Etihad’s strategy of targeting underserved long‑haul markets with strong economic and tourism potential. Calgary, a major hub for energy, trade and tourism, has seen growing demand for international connectivity, particularly to the Middle East, South Asia and beyond.

Passengers on the route gain access to Etihad’s global network via Abu Dhabi, including onward connections to destinations across the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Africa. The service is expected to appeal to both point‑to‑point travellers and connecting passengers.

Aviation analysts note that nonstop routes between the Gulf region and secondary North American cities are increasingly attractive, as airlines seek differentiation and higher‑yield opportunities. Direct flights reduce travel time and enhance the competitiveness of both origin and destination markets.

For Calgary Airport, the new service represents an important milestone in expanding intercontinental connectivity and attracting additional long‑haul carriers. Improved access is expected to support tourism growth, trade links and inbound investment.

The route also aligns with Etihad’s broader network optimisation strategy, which focuses on sustainable growth, strategic market selection and leveraging Abu Dhabi’s role as a global transit hub.

With the launch of nonstop UAE–Calgary flights, Etihad continues to strengthen its presence in North America while offering passengers new travel options between Canada and the wider world.