OTTAWA — The federal government has announced an expanded air transport agreement between Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will enhance connectivity, tourism and trade between the two countries.

According to Canada’s Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, the expanded agreement allows 21 flights per week for each country, allowing for 50% more flights than the maximum number previously possible. This, he says, will facilitate new routes and give airlines greater flexibility to accommodate changes in market demand. 

The UAE is currently Canada’s largest air transport market in the Middle East. 

“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,” said the Minister. 

“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 travellers, industry stakeholders and workers in Canada’s air sector. This is good news for tourism and the creation of good middle-class jobs for Canadians,” he adds.

The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. This new agreement is also aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy since the UAE serves as a hub for many flights to Asia.