All the way from Abu Dhabi to the Rockies
If you’ve ever found yourself juggling connections just to get to Canada from the UAE, this one’s for you.
Etihad Airways has announced the first-ever nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, and for the many Canadians living in the UAE, it’s a total game changer.
Launching on 3 November 2026, the new route creates a direct link between the Gulf and Western Canada; no layovers, no airport marathons, just one long-haul flight straight to the Rockies.
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For expats with family in Alberta, this is the kind of travel news that actually makes life easier.
It’s also a win for holiday planners on both sides. Canadians can now fly straight into Abu Dhabi for sunshine, beaches, culture, and year-round warmth.
Also, UAE-based travellers get seamless access to Calgary’s lively city scene, epic road trips, and the jaw-dropping landscapes of Banff, Lake Louise, and the Canadian Rockies. Ski season? Summer hikes? Autumn road trips? All officially more accessible.
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The route will run four times a week on Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with the airline’s latest Business and Economy cabins, meaning comfort, good food, and a smoother long-haul experience on one of Etihad’s longest routes.
Beyond holidays, this nonstop link is a big deal for expats balancing life between two homes.
From family visits and school holidays to business travel and cultural exchange, it makes staying connected far less complicated.
It also strengthens Etihad’s growing North American network, adding Calgary alongside Toronto, New York, Chicago, and soon-to-launch Charlotte.
Flights are already on sale, which means planning can officially begin.
Whether it’s heading home for the holidays, escaping the summer heat for cooler mountain air, or welcoming friends and family to Abu Dhabi, this new route is about making long distances feel a lot shorter.
For further information, visit etihad.com
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