Etihad launches exciting first nonstop Abu Dhabi – Calgary route 2026

Written by Stacey Kuiper on February 2, 2026. Posted in Airline.

Etihad launches first nonstop Abu Dhabi – Calgary route 2026

Etihad Airways has officially looked at the map, zoomed all the way past Europe, skipped the eastern US, sailed over Toronto… and landed straight in Calgary. From 3 November 2026, the airline will launch the first-ever nonstop flight between the Middle East and Western Canada, connecting Abu Dhabi and Calgary four times a week.

Yes, this is a first. No connections. No European stopovers. No “quick transfer” that somehow takes nine hours. Just one very long flight, one Dreamliner, and a brand-new aviation bridge between the UAE and the Canadian Rockies.

For Etihad, it’s another bold step in its global expansion playbook. For Calgary, it’s a serious upgrade in international connectivity. And for travellers? It’s one less reason to complain about layovers.

Why Calgary? (And Why Not, Honestly)

At first glance, Calgary might not scream “Middle East long-haul hub.” But look a little closer and it actually makes a lot of sense.

Calgary is a powerhouse city — energy, technology, innovation, finance, culture — all wrapped up with a cowboy hat and a skyline. It’s also the gateway to Western Canada, with the Rockies, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper sitting just a short drive away. Basically, it’s business travel by day, epic scenery by weekend.

Etihad is positioning this route as a connector between two major centres of energy and innovation. Abu Dhabi and Calgary share more than you might think: strong economic foundations, global outlooks, and a lot of international business traffic. Add tourism, visiting friends and relatives, and a growing appetite for long-haul travel, and suddenly this route feels less surprising and more inevitable.

Dreamliner Doing Dreamliner Things

The route will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which is exactly what you want for a flight this long. Comfortable cabins, modern inflight entertainment, mood lighting that gently convinces your body it’s not actually midnight — the full long-haul package.

Flights will operate four times per week, striking a balance between frequency and flexibility. Enough options for business travellers to plan meetings properly, and enough seats for leisure travellers escaping winter (on either side of the route).

Because let’s be honest: Calgary winters are… enthusiastic. Abu Dhabi’s are not.

A Big Win for Canadian Travellers

For Canadians, this route is kind of a big deal.

Until now, getting to the Middle East, Asia, or parts of Africa from Western Canada usually meant at least one stop — often two — and a complicated relationship with airport coffee. This new service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi, and from there, Etihad’s extensive global network.

Suddenly, destinations across the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and beyond become much easier to reach. One ticket. One connection (or none, if Abu Dhabi is the final stop). Much less stress.

And yes, it also works the other way around. Travellers from the UAE, Asia and Europe now get seamless access to Calgary — and by extension, some of the most dramatic landscapes Canada has to offer.

Need assistance with groups and incentives in Abu Dhabi? Contact this amazing DMC in Abu Dhabi today!

Abu Dhabi Keeps Playing the Long Game

This route also fits neatly into Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to boost tourism, trade and investment. Etihad isn’t just flying people around for fun (although that helps). It’s acting as a flying connector between economies, cultures and opportunities.

Calgary brings strong business ties, energy expertise and a growing tourism market. Abu Dhabi offers global reach, strategic positioning and a rapidly expanding visitor economy. Put the two together, add a Dreamliner, and you’ve got a very tidy long-haul proposition.

Another Piece in Etihad’s North American Puzzle

Calgary joins a growing list of Etihad’s North American destinations, including Toronto, New York and Chicago, with Charlotte coming soon. It’s a network that’s slowly but deliberately spreading across the continent — not just the obvious mega-hubs, but cities with strong long-term potential.

This isn’t about flying everywhere. It’s about flying smartly.

Calgary ticks all the right boxes: economic relevance, tourism appeal, diaspora traffic, and a region that was previously underserved by nonstop long-haul connections to the Middle East.

Bottom Line

Etihad launching Abu Dhabi–Calgary isn’t just another route announcement. It’s a statement.

It says Western Canada matters. It says long-haul doesn’t have to mean complicated. And it says that if you want to get from the Middle East to the Rockies, Etihad now has you covered — nonstop.

Flights are already on sale, the Dreamliners are ready, and Calgary is officially on Etihad’s global map.

One new route. Two continents. Zero stopovers. And quite possibly the best excuse yet to mix desert sunshine with mountain air.

SAS and WestJet announce exciting new transatlantic codeshare for 2026

Written by Stacey Kuiper on December 16, 2025. Posted in Airline.

SAS and WestJet announce exciting new transatlantic codeshare for 2026

If you’ve ever planned a transatlantic trip and thought, “Why does this need three tickets, two airlines and a small prayer?” — good news. SAS and WestJet have decided to make life easier.

The two airlines have officially deepened their partnership with an expanded transatlantic codeshare, strengthening travel links between Scandinavia and Canada and smoothing out those long-haul journeys that usually come with unnecessary complexity. Think fewer tickets, fewer baggage dramas, and far less frantic running through airports.

In airline terms, this is what we call a win.

One Ticket, One Bag, Fewer Headaches

The biggest perk of the new agreement? Seamless connections.

SAS passengers can now travel from Scandinavia to more than ten Canadian destinations via Toronto Pearson or SAS’s U.S. gateways — all on one ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination. Yes, even if that final destination involves snow, hockey, or a suspicious amount of maple syrup.

Cities now easier to reach include Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, and several others spread across Canada’s impressively large map.

On the flip side, WestJet passengers get smooth access to SAS’s main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, with onward connections throughout Europe. Suddenly, Nordic city breaks, business trips, and “I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights” plans just became much simpler.

Copenhagen Keeps Its Crown

SAS Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen described the expanded agreement as an important step in bringing Scandinavia and Canada closer together — geographically and operationally. And while that sounds very corporate, the message is clear: Copenhagen remains the beating heart of SAS’s long-haul network.

By reinforcing Copenhagen as its primary intercontinental hub, SAS is doubling down on efficient connections, shorter transfer times, and a smoother overall travel experience. Which, let’s be honest, is exactly what passengers care about once the novelty of airport shopping wears off.

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Punctuality: The Not-So-Secret Weapon

This partnership also comes with a quiet but powerful advantage: reliability.

In 2025 alone, SAS was named the world’s most punctual airline twice and Europe’s most punctual airline four times. That’s not just bragging rights — it’s a serious selling point when you’re promising smooth connections across the Atlantic.

Because codeshares are great, but codeshares that actually run on time? Even better.

For travellers, this means fewer missed connections, fewer panic sprints through terminals, and a much higher chance your carefully planned itinerary stays intact.

Canada Is Looking North (Very North)

According to WestJet Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill, demand from Canadian travellers heading to Northern Europe is on the rise — and this deeper partnership is designed to meet that demand head-on.

Scandinavia’s appeal continues to grow, whether it’s for business, leisure, sustainability-focused travel, or just really good design. With SAS’s strong European network now more accessible, WestJet passengers suddenly have far more options beyond the usual major hubs.

Loyalty Perks Incoming (Yes, Points People, This Is for You)

Frequent flyers, don’t worry — you haven’t been forgotten.

Both airlines confirmed plans to roll out a loyalty partnership, offering reciprocal benefits between SAS EuroBonus and WestJet Rewards. Details are still to come, but expect the usual crowd-pleasers: earning and redeeming points across both airlines, plus extra perks for loyal customers.

In short: fly more, earn more, feel smug about it.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Halifax Joins the Party

The collaboration doesn’t stop here. In May 2026, WestJet will launch a new Halifax–Copenhagen route — and yes, SAS will be codesharing on it.

This new service opens up exciting connections between Atlantic Canada and the Nordic region, creating even more transatlantic options for travellers who prefer something a little different from the usual mega-hub routes.

The Bottom Line

This expanded SAS–WestJet partnership is exactly the kind of airline news travellers like to hear. It’s practical, it’s passenger-focused, and it removes unnecessary friction from long-haul travel.

Fewer tickets. Better connections. More destinations. And a lot less airport stress.

Honestly? That’s a partnership worth applauding.

Discover Airlines Thrilling Summer with 70 Flights to 17 Dream Destinations

Written by Stacey Kuiper on November 5, 2024. Posted in Airline.

Discover Airlines Thrilling Summer with 70 Flights to 17 Dream Destinations!

Dust off your sunscreen and grab your Mickey ears, because Discover Airlines is about to turn your summer 2025 into an epic escapade! With new long-haul routes sprouting like wildflowers from Frankfurt and Munich, the airline is launching over 70 weekly connections to 17 fantastic destinations. Get ready to stretch those wings and plunge headfirst into a summer of fun!

Orlando: Where Sunshine Meets Magic!

Kicking off this sunny journey is Orlando, the place where dreams come true and the weather feels like a never-ending holiday! Discover Airlines is rolling out three direct flights from Munich to this family-friendly wonderland, making it a breeze to swap snow boots for flip-flops. Whether you’re off to conquer the theme parks or just perfecting your tan by the pool, Orlando has everything you need. And with Disney and Universal just a hop away, who says you have to grow up?

Thinking of travelling to Orlando for your next group trip? For assistance with groups and incentives in Orlando

A Brief Detour in Minneapolis

Next on the itinerary is Minneapolis, Minnesota—the new service from Frankfurt will launch with four flights a week starting May 2025. Sure, the Mall of America has its charms, but can it truly stand up to Orlando’s thrilling rides? We’ll let the food lovers and thrill-seekers hash that one out!

Discover More Amazing Destinations

But hold on, there’s even more! Discover Airlines isn’t just about sunny beaches and theme parks. They’re also opening routes to exotic locations like Windhoek (Namibia) and Calgary (because who doesn’t need a stunning mountain backdrop for their selfies?). Plus, they’re keeping the dream alive with flights to tropical hotspots like Mauritius and Zanzibar in Africa, alongside Caribbean favourites such as Punta Cana and Cancún.

Perfectly Timed for Fun

With optimized departure times on many routes, Discover Airlines is ensuring less waiting and more playtime. Say goodbye to those “Are we there yet?” moments; it’s all about soaking up those vacation vibes!

So slip on your sunglasses, don those flip-flops, and prepare for an unforgettable summer! Discover Airlines is here to whisk you off to Orlando and beyond—because who wouldn’t want to trade their office chair for a theme park thrill? Your summer 2025 adventure is just a flight away!

Highlights:

Direct Flights to Orlando: Enjoy three new routes from Munich to the magical city.
Minneapolis Connection: Discover the new service with four weekly flights from Frankfurt starting May 2025.
Exotic Getaways: Explore new routes to Windhoek and Calgary, alongside existing favourites like Mauritius and Zanzibar.
Optimized Departure Times: Less waiting, more fun—maximizing your vacation experience!

Westjet new routes – expansion with flights from Canada to Japan and Europe in 2023

Written by Traveltalksteam on December 9, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

Westjet new routes

December 9, 2022, Westjet new routes – WestJet is a Canadian low-cost airline that was founded in 1996 and is based in Calgary, Alberta. WestJet operates scheduled and charter flights to more than 100 destinations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

WestJet is a member of the Star Alliance, and its frequent flyer program, WestJet Rewards, allows passengers to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flight discounts, upgrades, and other rewards.

Airline takes first step in growing overall capacity from YYC by more than 25 per cent in 2023

New intercontinental routes between Calgary and Tokyo, Barcelona, Edinburgh, and
increased frequencies between Calgary and Dublin, London, Paris and Rome significantly enhance options for leisure guests, business travel and cargo services

Westjet new routes announced

Westjet new routes announced today: as part of its wider growth strategy, announced its 2023 summer 787 Dreamliner routes from YYC Calgary International Airport, unveiling Tokyo, Japan, as its first destination in Asia with new service to Narita International Airport. The airline is also creating greater two-way tourism opportunities and increasing connectivity between Western Canada and Europe with new service between Calgary and Barcelona, Spain and Edinburgh, Scotland along with increased frequencies on existing European routes. Today’s announcement comes as WestJet prepares for broader expansion within Canada and North America over the coming months.

WestJet new routes – Positioned perfectly to connect Western Canada to the world, WestJet’s 787 flying from Calgary will see the airline take flight to eight transoceanic destinations in 2023. With 40 weekly departures strategically scheduled to maximize connecting capacity across 24 Western Canadian communities, the airline will offer more competitive options for its leisure and business guests and cargo customers as it fulfills its new strategic direction.

“This is an exciting day for the WestJet Group, our guests, and partners as we deliver on our new strategy and demonstrate our western focus as we increase our Calgary capacity by more than 25 per cent in 2023. Starting with the expansion of our intercontinental routes, future announcements will focus on domestic and North American additions that will bring even more affordable travel options to our guests in the new year,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “With Calgary as home base to our 787 aircraft, access between western Canadian communities and these intercontinental destinations will play a vital role in creating an economically prosperous aviation pipeline that better connects Canadians to the world and the world to Western Canada.”

Tokyo, Japan – Alberta’s Only Non-Stop Gateway to Asia

With its expansive modern architecture, traditional roots, established ties to Alberta’s tourism and business economies and connectivity to more than 50 destinations across the continent, Tokyo is a natural choice for WestJet’s first destination in Asia. With three-time weekly seasonal service beginning, April 30, 2023, WestJet will be the only airline providing transpacific service to Asia direct from Alberta.

“The Government of Alberta congratulates Calgary and WestJet, and believes this is a major announcement for our province. Alberta is opening more to the world. We are excited to see the agreement from October result in billions of new investment come into Calgary, said Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta. “New routes are opening our province to major cities throughout the globe. We look forward to more good news like this in the future and remain committed to growing Alberta’s aviation and tourism sector in the future.”

Details of Westjet new routes’s Service to Tokyo*

Route	Start Date	Frequency	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Calgary – Tokyo Narita	April 30, 2023	3x Weekly	18:55	20:00
Tokyo Narita – Calgary	May 1, 2023	3x Weekly	22:00	16:00

* Pending Government Approval

Strengthening Western Canada’s tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe with more flights and non-stop access to Scotland and Spain

WestJet will bolster its European presence between Calgary and six transatlantic destinations this summer by adding increased frequency on existing popular European routes and welcoming new non-stop service to Edinburgh, Scotland and Barcelona, Spain.

Westjet new routes’s service from Calgary to both Barcelona and Edinburgh will operate seasonally from May to October, up to three-times weekly. With the addition of its newest routes, WestJet will offer service to six European cities, increasing capacity by 95 per cent with flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick, Paris, Rome and Dublin.

“This is a tremendous day for WestJet, our city and for YYC Calgary International Airport. Calgarians will now have more choices when travelling abroad thanks to WestJet’s major investment in flights from our airport. WestJet making Calgary its single global 787 hub and these additional route offerings demonstrates their confidence in the economic future of both Calgary and Alberta. And it reinforces the advantage of YYC Calgary International Airport’s strategic position as a global connections hub,” said Bob Sartor, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority.

Details of WestJet’s Summer 787 Service to Europe

Route	Start Date	Peak Frequency
Calgary – Barcelona*	May 6, 2023	3x Weekly
Calgary – Edinburgh*	May 17, 2023	3x Weekly
Calgary – London Heathrow	Continued from Winter	7x Weekly
Calgary – London Gatwick	April 30, 2023	7x Weekly
Calgary – Paris	Continued from Winter	7x Weekly
Calgary – Rome	April 6, 2023	5x Weekly
Calgary – Dublin	April 30, 2023	5x Weekly

*New Route from YYC

Additional Quotes:

“Today’s announcement is bigger than new direct flights. It means new jobs. It means a boost to our tourism industry and better links between Calgarians and their families abroad. It means greater access to our incredible city. WestJet’s new routes will play a big role in attracting investment and visitors to Calgary. Congratulations to WestJet and YYC for creating additional ways to connect Calgarians and our economy to the world.”

– Jyoti Gondek, Calgary Mayor

“This is the first time we’ve ever had a direct route between Edinburgh and Calgary, and it is always exciting to see our connectivity expand and bring Scotland closer to major cities around the world. WestJet’s commitment to Edinburgh and Scotland is a show of confidence in our market and demonstrates the huge interest in both Scotland and Canada as tourist destinations as well as important business and trade links. We are prepared for a stampede for tickets and are looking forward to working with WestJet to make this route a success and explore further opportunities if and when they arise.”

– Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport

“The launch of a direct service between Edinburgh and Calgary is great news for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. We are investing in this service to make it easier to travel between Scotland and Calgary, as well as other parts of Canada and the West Coast of America, given Calgary’s role as a connecting hub for WestJet. It has the potential to create economic, social and cultural benefits while also enhancing our international connectivity. I also welcome the use of the Boeing 787 on the route, one of WestJet’s latest generation aircraft that will help reduce carbon emissions. I wish WestJet and Edinburgh Airport every success with this new service.”

– The Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth

About WestJet  

In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries. 

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  
Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet 
Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet and twitter.com/WestJetNews
Follow WestJet on Instagram instagram.com/westjet/ 
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet 
Read the WestJet Newsroom at  westjet.com/en-ca/news 

Recent recognition includes: 

2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)  
2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)  
2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)  
2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)  

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