Last week, Transport Canada and United Arab Emirates inked an expanded air transport agreement allowing 21 flights per week between the two nations.
“The agreement will allow more airlines to introduce more flights and routes,” said Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, Canada.
The UAE is Canada’s largest air transport market in the Middle East. The expanded agreement will permit 50% more flights than the maximum number previously possible
“This expansion of the Canada-United Arab Emirates air transport agreement will improve Canada’s international connectivity and enhance people-to-people and commercial links. As we continue to support the recovery of the Canadian air industry, we are pleased that this expanded agreement will benefit a larger number of Canadian travelers, industry stakeholders, and workers in Canada’s air sector,” added Alghabra.
As per Cirium data, there are 18 weekly flights between Canada and the United Arab Emirates, operated by three airlines. Air Canada and Emirates operate on the Toronto Pearson-Dubai while Etihad operates on the Toronto Pearson-Abu Dhabi route. Soon after signing the treaty Emirates has ramped its capacity with daily flights on this route.
Air Canada currently operates seven weekly flights between Toronto and Dubai. Emirates offers five weekly flights on this route, but more seats compared to Air Canada.
Etihad Airways offers six weekly flights from Abu Dhabi.