Air Canada and Emirates Extend Strategic Partnership Amid Expanded Air Agreements with UAE and Saudi Arabia
Ottawa, January 6, 2026 – Air Canada and Emirates have extended their strategic partnership through 2032, enhancing codeshare routes and loyalty programmes, while Canada has expanded air transport agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, allowing for more passenger and cargo flights to strengthen trade and tourism ties.
Partnership Extension Details
In November 2025, Air Canada and Emirates announced the renewal of their partnership, originally launched in 2022. The agreement now runs until December 31, 2032, and includes expanded codeshare routes connecting Canada, the United States, Dubai, and destinations across the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Since 2022, the airlines have served over 550,000 customers through 56 codeshare routes. Emirates will deploy its A350 aircraft to Montreal starting February 1, 2026, introducing Premium Economy class and replacing the Boeing 777 on the Montreal-Dubai route. The partnership also explores a potential joint venture for cargo operations to facilitate global trade.
Expanded Air Transport Agreements
Canada’s government announced new reciprocal air transportation agreements with Saudi Arabia and the UAE in late 2025, effective immediately. The Canada-UAE agreement increases passenger flights to 35 per week from 21, and allows unlimited all-cargo flights, up from four per country per week. It also opens fifth freedom rights for all-cargo services. The Canada-Saudi Arabia agreement permits up to 14 passenger flights per week from four, and unlimited all-cargo flights from three per country. These changes aim to boost tourism, trade, and economic ties, with bilateral trade between Canada and the UAE growing 14 per cent from 2022 to 2023, reaching C$3.3 billion in Canadian exports in 2024.
Key Facts / Stats
| Agreement | Details |
|---|---|
| Canada-UAE Passenger Flights | Increased to 35 per week (from 21) |
| Canada-UAE Cargo Flights | Unlimited (from 4 per country per week) |
| Canada-Saudi Arabia Passenger Flights | Increased to 14 per week (from 4) |
| Canada-Saudi Arabia Cargo Flights | Unlimited (from 3 per country per week) |
| Air Canada-Emirates Partnership Duration | Extended to December 31, 2032 |
| Customers Served (2022-2025) | Over 550,000 |
| Canada-UAE Trade Growth (2022-2023) | 14 per cent |
| Canadian Exports to UAE (2024) | C$3.3 billion |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the expanded air agreements for Canadians?
The agreements provide more flight options, increased competition, and lower fares, while enhancing trade diversification and global connections. They support tourism, business ties, and cargo flow between Canada, the Middle East, and beyond.
How does the Air Canada-Emirates partnership affect travellers?
Travellers can access more seamless connections, earn and redeem rewards through shared loyalty programmes, and enjoy enhanced services like Premium Economy on select routes. The partnership strengthens daily services between Toronto and Dubai, and Montreal and Dubai.
When will Emirates’ A350 aircraft start operating in Canada?
The A350 will debut on the Montreal-Dubai route starting February 1, 2026, offering three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.