Air Canada to Launch Direct Flights from Vancouver to Dubai
Air Canada has unveiled exciting news for travelers starting from October 28, 2023. They will inaugurate direct flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Dubai International Airport (DXB). This new route is set to operate four times weekly, utilizing Air Canada’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The addition of Vancouver-Dubai flights will seamlessly complement Air Canada’s daily service running between Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and DXB.
Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted Air Canada is introducing a new service to Dubai from YVR. Direct service to Dubai, with convenient onward connections to southern India and other key destinations across the Middle East, will provide new opportunities for travel, education, and access to global markets that will help meet the needs of our community and economy that supports it.”
Emirates Expanding Flights to Toronto: Not to be outdone, Emirates has just announced an expansion of its services. Beginning on April 20, 2023, Emirates will introduce two additional flights per week between Dubai and Toronto to meet the growing demand. The Dubai-Toronto route is already served by Emirates’ flagship Airbus A380 aircraft, and these new flights will provide an additional nearly 2,000 seats for passengers on this busy route.
Emirates’ decision to boost its services to Toronto is driven by the route’s popularity among travelers from India, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka, which are also top destinations for those traveling from Toronto.
Bilateral Relations and Expanded Air Transport Agreement: These developments in air travel are closely tied to the enhanced bilateral relations between Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On April 5, 2023, both countries expanded their air transport agreement, allowing for an increased number of flights between Canada and the UAE. Under the new agreement, each country can operate up to 21 flights per week, a 50% increase from previous limits. This expanded agreement will facilitate new routes and provide airlines with greater flexibility to adapt to changes in market demand.
The UAE stands as Canada’s largest air transport market in the Middle East. This agreement has a history of expansion, with developments in 1999, 2018, and now this latest development in 2023.
Canada’s Immigration Plan and Economic Mobility Pathways: The enhanced flight connections between Canada and the UAE align with the Canadian Immigration department’s ambitious plan to welcome 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025. To achieve this, Canada has launched the ‘Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot,’ aiming to address the country’s labor shortage crisis by welcoming skilled refugees. This initiative seeks to meet labor market needs while providing new opportunities for individuals seeking a better future in Canada.
These developments in air travel and immigration underline the strong and growing ties between Canada and the UAE, offering new horizons for travelers, families, and immigrants alike.
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