Abu Dhabi, UAE - Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Calgary, marking a historic milestone as, for the first time, travellers can fly non-stop between Abu Dhabi and Calgary.

Sold-out flight EY29 touched down at Calgary International Airport this morning, to a warm Western Canadian welcome, including a celebratory event attended by Government of Alberta, airport and tourism partners. The new non-stop service will operate four times a week on Etihad's Boeing 787 Dreamliner, strengthening connectivity between the UAE capital, the Gulf region and Alberta. The launch further reflects the momentum behind Etihad's continued transformation and growth journey as one of the world's fastest-growing airlines.

The new service reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global gateway, connecting Western Canada to Etihad's expanding network and providing one of the fastest and most seamless travel options to reach destinations across the GCC, India, Asia and Africa, while supporting stronger tourism, trade and investment ties.

This new connection brings Abu Dhabi closer to guests in Western Canada, providing access to a destination that blends culture, leisure and business. From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Saadiyat Island to the entertainment attractions of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi offers a unique mix of heritage, hospitality and year-round experiences. Travellers can also make the most of Etihad's stopover programme, extending their journey to explore the UAE capital.

For travellers across Etihad’s network, the new route opens the door to one of Canada’s most compelling destinations. Calgary combines a dynamic business environment with access to Alberta’s world-famous natural attractions, including Banff and Jasper National Parks and the Canadian Rockies. As one of Canada’s leading centres for energy, innovation and investment, the city plays an increasingly important role in connecting Canada and Alberta with global markets.

Flights are operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bringing the airline’s award-winning long-haul experience to Western Canada. Featuring the airline’s latest Business and Economy cabins, the aircraft combines modern design, advanced technology and Etihad’s signature Emirati hospitality, delivering a seamless travel experience from take-off to landing.

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.

“Today's launch is a celebration of a new connection between three ambitious success stories. As the world's fastest-growing airline, Etihad continues to invest in its future through network expansion, fleet growth and an unwavering focus on guest experience, underpinned by the ambition that has shaped both the airline's evolution and Abu Dhabi's rise as a global destination and gateway. Calgary shares that same forward-looking outlook, with a dynamic economy, growing international connections and a strong spirit of innovation. Together, they create a powerful new connection that opens opportunities for travellers, businesses, and communities on both sides.

Whether guests are travelling for adventure in Canada, for business in Alberta’s dynamic economy, or to discover Abu Dhabi's rich culture and attractions, we look forward to welcoming them with the warmth and care that define the Etihad experience and delivering an exceptional journey at every stage of their travels.

Calgary represents an exciting new chapter in Etihad's growth story. We are proud to mark this milestone alongside our partners and look forward to building a long-lasting connection between Western Canada, Abu Dhabi and the destinations across Etihad's global growing network.”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration said: “The arrival of Etihad Airways in Calgary is another sign of Alberta’s growing connections around the world. 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.”

“Today, the distance between Calgary and Abu Dhabi feels a whole lot shorter,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO, 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 & 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.”

Calgary becomes Etihad's second destination in Canada and its westernmost gateway, complementing the airline's long-established Toronto service. The new route reflects Etihad's long-term commitment to Canada and ambition to connect more travellers, businesses and communities with Abu Dhabi, while supporting stronger tourism, trade and investment ties between Canada, the UAE and key markets across Etihad's global network, and reinforcing the airline's continued growth and global expansion in high-potential markets where demand continues to grow.

Calgary Flight schedule

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit etihad.com

About Calgary Airports

Calgary Airports (formally, The Calgary Airport Authority) is a non-share capital corporation incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. It is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport. Calgary Airports’ commitment to safety remains a top priority. Our airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. Calgary Airports was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2026.

About Tourism Calgary

Tourism Calgary is the destination management organization that enthusiastically shares and promotes the story of our friendly Blue Sky City to those near and far. We think big – like, Canadian Rocky Mountain big – using our sales and marketing expertise to drive an annual visitor spend of over $3.3B for the local economy and advocating for our growing tourism sector, which includes 84,000 Calgarians employed in the industry. From conventions to leisure travel, sports events to music and arts, Tourism Calgary represents the city’s diverse and unexpected experiences, extending our welcoming hospitality to the over 10.5M people who visit Calgary every year. Go to visitcalgary.com for more details.

For further details:
Duty Media Officer
Etihad Airways
Tel: +97150 818 9596
Email: dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae