Air Canada just announced a major update to its partnership with Emirates that will reportedly unlock a slew of perks for travelers and a stronger network for those flying between North America, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.
However, while both airlines emphasize convenience and expanded options, traveler reactions tell a different story. Here’s what the newly extended partnership offers, and why some flyers aren’t getting their hopes up.
Air Canada And Emirates Will Expand Their Strategic Partnership
In a recent news release, Air Canada and Emirates announced plans to take their partnership, first launched in 2022, to the next level. Over the last three years, over 550,000 passengers have used their combined network across 56 routes that link Canada, the United States, and Dubai to destinations around the world.
“Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates has been highly successful, and we are proud to renew it early, expanding its scope and extending its duration through 2032. This agreement strengthens our international strategy by supporting our daily, year-round service between Toronto and Dubai and providing customers and shippers seamless connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo at Air Canada.
The new agreement will keep the partnership in place through 2032 and aims to expand the number of destinations travelers can connect to, add more Canadian gateways to the network, and introduce improved loyalty program benefits. And beyond passenger travel, the airlines say the extended partnership will also boost tourism and trade between Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Partnership Introduces New And Expanded Benefits To Enhance The Travel Experience
The expanded agreement between Air Canada and Emirates comes with upgrades aimed at improving the passenger experience. One new addition to the partnership benefits includes improvements to priority benefits for eligible passengers, though they have yet to be announced. Both airlines also say they’re coordinating more closely on operations—including a future move to Dubai World Central (DWC) after 2032—to make connections and airport transfers easier for travelers.
Additionally, Air Canada and Emirates have made significant improvements since their 2022 partnership began. This summer, Air Canada added several new connections for Emirates customers, including:
- Toronto–Minneapolis
- Montréal–Calgary
- Vancouver–Los Angeles
The airlines have also linked their loyalty programs. Aeroplan members can earn and redeem points on Emirates flights to over 140 destinations, and Skywards members can do the same on Air Canada’s network of more than 220 destinations. Both carriers say they plan to expand these benefits further by allowing members to redeem points for Premium Economy seats on each other’s flights.
And lastly, Air Canada has moved its Dubai flights to Emirates’ Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, which gives eligible passengers access to Emirates’ Business Class Lounges and an overall smoother connection experience.
While there seem to be improved perks in the works for travelers flying with both Air Canada and Emirates, some say that there are a few red flags they can’t ignore.
Travelers Say The Partnership Raises Red Flags
While Air Canada and Emirates say their partnership is a win for travelers, many flyers remain skeptical. Back when the agreement was first announced in 2022, Reddit users were already questioning whether it favored Air Canada more than Emirates customers.
Some believe the expanded partnership could prevent Emirates from adding more Canadian destinations, leaving Toronto as its only gateway and forcing passengers onto Air Canada connections instead.
“I bet you that it’s Air Canada who initiated this joint venture. What this means is that Emirates is restricted from flying to more places in Canada and relying on AC to funnel those passengers to and from EK’s sole destination in Canada, that is YYZ. Bummer. I’d rather EK fly to more places than just Toronto. But AC just killed all possibilities,” wrote one Reddit user.
Although the most recent announcement of the extended partnership mentions new gateways, within Canada, “new gateways” simply refers to additional Canadian airports that could be added to the codeshare network through Air Canada, not new cities Emirates would fly to directly.
Others echoed that sentiment, saying they’d much rather fly with Emirates due to Air Canada’s bruised reputation—although the airline recently tried to entice travelers with the generous perk of free alcohol on all economy flights.
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“They should be allowed to fly from other Canadian airports. I flew Emirates business class [a] few times, and they’re top-notch. Air Canada service doesn’t even come close.” |
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“Air Canada is one of the [worst] airlines, and Emirates is one of the best. What a combo.” |
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“AC has been working VERY hard lately to ensure they’re the [worst]… Cancelling flights left/right/center, not hiring call centre staff, etc.” |
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“AC hates everyone who [is] better run, better service, more aircraft than they do.” |
Despite mixed reactions from travelers, the expanded partnership between Air Canada and Emirates does bring more connection options and stronger loyalty benefits. While some travelers would like to see Emirates gain access to more Canadian cities, the new agreement is still a step in the right direction.
