Etihad Airways Launches First Nonstop Abu Dhabi to Calgary Flight Etihad Airways completed its first nonstop flight from Abu Dhabi to Calgary on Sunday, operating four times a week on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and connecting Western Canada directly to the Middle East. Etihad Airways has completed its first nonstop flight from Abu Dhabi to Calgary, marking a new direct link between the United Arab Emirates and Western Canada. The inaugural service, designated EY29, landed at Calgary International Airport on Sunday morning with a sold-out cabin. The new route will operate four times a week using Etihad's Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight was celebrated with a ceremony at Calgary International Airport attended by provincial dignitaries, airport officials and tourism representatives. Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, highlighted the economic implications of the new link.Dignitaries Praise New RouteHe said it provides Western Canada with a unique direct connection to the UAE, noting the partnership resulted from collaboration among government bodies, private enterprises, the airport authority and Etihad itself. Passengers on the first flight shared their excitement about the new travel option. One frequent international traveler who regularly visits India said the previous route required a stopover in Europe, adding extra time and fatigue.He said the new direct flight to Abu Dhabi now offers a more efficient path to New Delhi and cuts hours from his total travel time. Another passenger, Greg Sretsky, who was heading to a business meeting in New Delhi, praised the route for its time-saving benefits. He said it opens a new gateway between Calgary and the Middle East.Etihad's regional manager for the Americas, Alpena Matthews, described the launch as a strategic expansion that will enhance tourism, business, trade and investment ties. She noted that the airline's growing global network now includes more than 100 destinations. Matthews said the Calgary-Abu Dhabi link will serve as a springboard for further connectivity and expressed pride in bringing Etihad's service and hospitality to the Canadian market.Expected Economic BenefitsThe new nonstop service is expected to stimulate economic activity by facilitating easier access for Canadian businesses to Middle Eastern markets and vice versa. It also offers Canadian travelers a more convenient and faster route to a region that has become increasingly important for trade, culture and tourism. The launch is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the benefits of expanding air connectivity.It promises to bring new opportunities for commerce, cultural exchange and tourism, while providing travelers with a more efficient and comfortable journey between Western Canada and the Middle East. As global aviation continues to shrink distances, the inaugural flight marks a milestone for both Etihad Airways and the city of Calgary, positioning the city as a key node in the global air travel network. For more information about Etihad Airways and its services, passengers can visit the airline's official website. With files from CTV's Darren Wright.