Abu Dhabi to Alberta no longer needs a layover. Etihad’s inaugural EY29 touched down at Calgary International Airport on Sunday, 25 October, making it the first non-stop flight from any Gulf city to Calgary. The launch flight was sold out, and Calgary welcomed it with a traditional water cannon salute.
Etihad’s First Non-Stop Flight From Abu Dhabi Touched Down In Calgary
Moien, Luxembourg 🇱🇺
Etihad has landed with the only nonstop service between Luxembourg and the UAE.
Fly four times a week on our A321LR, with First, Business and Economy, plus onward connections through Abu Dhabi to Asia, Australia and beyond.
Read more on https://t.co/hg8pd8Pnoj
— Etihad (@etihad) October 21, 2026
The route runs four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. EY29 leaves Abu Dhabi at 2.25am and lands in Calgary at 7am. The return, EY30, departs Calgary at 1pm and reaches Abu Dhabi at 12.55pm the following day. Etihad says it hopes to move to a daily service, depending on demand.
What The Dreamliner Offers
Flights use a Boeing 787-9 with 303 seats across two cabins.
Business Class
There are 32 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, each with a fully flat bed, a privacy door and direct aisle access.
Economy Class
The 271 seats sit in a 3-3-3 layout with adjustable headrests, and extra legroom is available. Meals and drinks are complimentary. Both cabins get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio and charging points.
Why Calgary Matters
Calgary is Etihad’s second Canadian city after Toronto, and its westernmost gateway in the country. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, the airline’s Chief Operations and Guest Officer, said Etihad is the first Gulf carrier to serve a second Canadian city. Until now, anyone flying between Abu Dhabi and Calgary had to change planes somewhere else.
For UAE residents, the city is the doorway to Banff, Jasper and the wider Canadian Rockies. Canadians, meanwhile, get a simpler route to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, and Etihad’s stopover programme lets them see the capital before flying on.
Connections Beyond Abu Dhabi
Passengers leaving Calgary can connect through Abu Dhabi to GCC destinations, Africa, India, Pakistan and other Asian cities. Etihad pointed to one-stop links to the subcontinent as a major draw.
Also Read: Dubai-Abu Dhabi Etihad Rail Tickets Are Now Live With Fares Starting At AED39
A Boost For Trade
Alberta’s economy leans heavily on energy, and provincial officials see the route as a way to open doors in the Gulf. Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, said the service will help local businesses reach new markets. Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves described Abu Dhabi and Calgary as two ambitious cities with growing economies and strong global links.
Neves also said Etihad looks forward to building a long-lasting connection between Western Canada and its network. For now, the four weekly flights give both cities their first direct link, and the sold-out debut shows early appetite for it.
Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad/X
FAQs
Can I connect to India or Africa from Calgary?
Yes. Passengers can connect through Abu Dhabi to GCC countries, Africa, India, Pakistan and other Asian destinations.
When did Etihad’s first Abu Dhabi to Calgary flight land?
EY29 landed at Calgary International Airport on Sunday, 25 October. It was sold out and is the first non-stop flight from any Gulf city to Calgary.
