Canadian airlines are officially on notice after the country’s government loosened restrictions on the set number of flights permitted to and from the Middle East to Canada. In Ottawa, the federal government has ‘opened the skies’ to more competition from Middle Eastern airlines.

Middle Eastern carriers have continued to grow capacity and operations around the world with their unique position as a bridge for one-stop itineraries that connect the likes of North America to Africa, Australasia to Europe, and South America to Asia. Now the Canadian government wants their airlines to up their game, and do more to fight for market share against the likes of Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Not Just About Routes

Credit: Shutterstock

The intent behind the loosening of restrictions for travel between the United Arab Emirates and Canada is not only about more opportunities for international air routes, but also the experience onboard. While Air Canada has remained one of the most awarded airlines in North America for onboard service, it is still miles behind the onboard experience on offer with Emirates, Etihad, and other neighboring Middle Eastern carriers like Qatar Airways.

This move is expected to see Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat take stock and potentially re-evaluate their onboard experience, amenities, and configurations of aircraft. This comes at a time when Canadian MPs have studied several issues in the Canadian airline industry, including high fares and a lack of competition. Aviation expert John Gradek, lecturer of aviation management at McGill University, explained to the CBC:

A Backtrack On A 2010 Decision

Credit: Vincenzo Pace

Almost two decades ago, the Canadian government initially refused additional flights from the U.A.E. to Canada, in a bid to protect the Canadian aviation industry. It had been suggested by Air Canada that Middle Eastern airlines would take travelers with no reciprocal benefit to Canadian airlines.

Saudi Arabia had also canceled its flights to and from Canada between 2018 and 2023, following a diplomatic dispute based on the Kingdom’s human rights record. Including Global Affairs Canada calling out the kingdom for arresting public activists. Canada’s current Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is now pushing to improve relations with Middle Eastern countries, partially in a plan to diversify trade away from the United States, especially during the current US President, Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war.

The new agreement will see up to 35 passenger flights per week now permitted to travel between the United Arab Emirates and Canada, an increase of 14 (currently 21). This is in addition to unlimited cargo flights between the two nations. This deal is also reciprocal, allowing Canadian carriers to operate the same number of flights to UAE airports, primarily Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Related

Building On Success: Air Canada & Emirates Extend Partnership Through 2032

Expanding the cooperation to include more routes and shared benefits.

Aiming For An Open Skies Agreement

Credit: GCMap

The latest deal could be assumed to be in favor of the Middle Eastern carriers, which now can conveniently increase operations to transport Canadians via their respective hubs and onward to third countries across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Some of the most popular itineraries are between Canada and the Indian subcontinent (where Middle Eastern carriers have an extensive and growing network of flights).

However, Canadian airlines also have the choice to improve connectivity to the region and then offer convenient transfers through their Canadian hubs and into the wider domestic or international network. Currently, just three airlines operate between the UAE and Canada, as detailed in the table below:

Air Canada and Emirates last year extended their strategic partnership, which will now continue through to 2032, enabling both airlines to market and sell tickets on the same flights, and allow customers to earn and redeem rewards through both airlines’ shared loyalty programs.