From the Gulf to the Rockies: Etihad Airways launches first-ever nonstop flights between the Middle East and Calgary

Etihad Airways will launch the first-ever nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Calgary (Canada) starting 3 November 2026, marking a historic new air link between the Middle East and Western Canada. The service will operate four times weekly on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Flight Details
- Launch Date: Tuesday, 3 November 2026
- Frequency: 4 flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday)
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Outbound (Abu Dhabi → Calgary): Departs 8:45 AM local time, arrives 12:20 PM local time
- Return (Calgary → Abu Dhabi): Departs 6:05 PM local time, arrives 7:00 PM local time next day

Strategic Importance
- First Direct Link: This is the first nonstop service between the Middle East and Calgary, expanding Etihad’s North American footprint.
- Economic Ties: Connects two global hubs of energy, innovation, and culture, strengthening trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.
- Tourism Boost: Provides UAE travelers direct access to Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, while Canadians gain easier connectivity to Abu Dhabi and onward destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Benefits for Travelers
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for connecting flights via Toronto or Vancouver.
- Business Travelers: Calgary’s energy sector gains direct access to Abu Dhabi’s global energy hub.
- Leisure Travelers: Opens up seamless journeys to Alberta’s ski resorts, Banff, and Jasper National Park.
- Global Connectivity: Abu Dhabi serves as a gateway to Etihad’s extensive network across Asia and Africa.

✅ In summary: Etihad’s new Abu Dhabi–Calgary route is a milestone in aviation, offering direct Gulf-to-Rockies connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and giving travelers more seamless options across two dynamic regions.