Etihad Airways has inaugurated the first nonstop flight connecting Abu Dhabi and Calgary, marking the Gulf region’s initial direct air link to Western Canada. The maiden flight, EY29, arrived at Calgary International Airport yesterday and was greeted with a traditional water-cannon salute to celebrate the occasion.

This new route establishes Calgary as Etihad’s second Canadian destination alongside its existing service to Toronto. It also represents the first direct flight from any Gulf city to Alberta. The airline will operate the service four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The nonstop flight eliminates the previously required connections, significantly reducing travel time for both business and leisure passengers. For travelers from the United Arab Emirates, the route offers convenient access to Alberta’s famed destinations, including the Canadian Rockies and national parks such as Banff and Jasper. Meanwhile, passengers departing from Calgary gain direct connectivity to Abu Dhabi, with further onward options across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, as well as Africa, India, Pakistan, and wider Asia.

Etihad officials indicated that the airline may increase frequency to daily flights depending on market demand, aiming to enhance the service’s accessibility and convenience for international travelers.