Calgary lands first direct flight to Middle East

Calgarians will soon be able to skip the layovers and fly straight to the Middle East, thanks to a new nonstop route connecting Calgary and Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in Western Canada.

Beginning Nov. 3, Etihad Airways will operate four direct flights a week between YYC and the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a move officials say will reshape travel, business, and global connectivity for the region.

Etihad’s announcement comes on the heels of Alberta opening its own office in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, a sign, provincial leaders say, of deepening international ties.

“Increasingly, Alberta is building relationships around the globe that are having a direct impact on the strength and success of our economy,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, in a statement.

The new route clocks in at roughly 14 hours, with fares starting around $1,200. For many travellers, the appeal is fewer headaches and greater efficiency.

“It allows you to completely re‑mitigate your travel plans and not worry about stopovers and delays,” said one traveller at YYC. “For getting from point A to point B quickly, I think that’s awesome.”

Another traveller said the direct link opens cultural doors as well as logistical ones.

“I think that’s just gonna allow us to have more exposure to that side of the world,” she said.

Airport officials say the impact goes far beyond convenience. The connection gives Calgarians faster access to more than 100 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and positions YYC as a growing global hub.

“The role of the airport is to connect our community to the world and to connect the world to our community,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports. “We want the world to come and see us, and we want our community to go and see them.”

Provincial leaders are also framing the route as a strategic win for business, tourism, and trade, particularly in sectors like energy, where Alberta and the UAE share strong ties.

Nearly 20 million passengers passed through Calgary International Airport last year.