If Abu Dhabi has been on your travel bucket list, getting there from Calgary just got a lot easier. Etihad Airways has officially launched a non-stop route between Calgary and Abu Dhabi, connecting the city directly to the UAE capital.
The inaugural flight touched down at Calgary International Airport on Oct. 25, becoming the first-ever direct route between the two cities.
What to know about the new flight
What is Etihad Airways?
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi. The airline operates flights to destinations around the world, connecting travellers to cities across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America.
According to Calgary International Airport, Calgary is now Etihad’s second destination in Canada, joining its long-established Toronto service.
“Some routes immediately feel significant, not simply because they connect two destinations, but because of the opportunities they create. Calgary is one of those routes,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, in a press release.
What do I need to know about the new flight?
The first Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi touched down in Calgary on Oct. 25, officially launching the new non-stop route. According to Calgary International Airport, the flight was completely sold out, and passengers were welcomed with a celebratory event attended by tourism partners and representatives from the Government of Alberta.
Etihad Airways now operates four weekly flights between Calgary and Abu Dhabi using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
“With Etihad’s arrival at YYC, we’re creating a direct link between two dynamic regions as we open Calgary to the world and the world to Calgary,” said Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of Calgary Airports, in a recent press release.
How often will the flight operate?
Flights from Calgary to Abu Dhabi depart at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 12:55 p.m. the following day.
The return flight departs Abu Dhabi at 2:25 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving in Calgary at 7 a.m. the same day.
So whether you’re planning your next big adventure or keeping ideas for the future, Abu Dhabi might just be calling your name!
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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