Air Canada and Emirates have renewed and expanded their strategic partnership through 2032. This long-term extension marks a major milestone for global tourism, trade, and air connectivity. The strengthened agreement will boost travel options for passengers, expand codeshare routes, and deliver more loyalty rewards across both airline networks. With more than 550,000 passengers already benefiting from the alliance since 2022, the extended collaboration is set to reshape travel between North America, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
A Stronger Global Network for Travelers
The partnership began with the shared goal of improving mobility between Canada, the United States, Dubai, and major international hubs. Today, the alliance covers 56 codeshare routes linking cities across Canada and the U.S. with destinations throughout the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
This renewed agreement will deepen that connectivity. Both airlines are exploring more Canadian gateways to expand access for travelers across provinces. As new flight options roll out, tourists will enjoy faster and smoother connections to popular leisure destinations such as India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The expanded network also gives business travelers more flexibility, particularly those with ties to key commercial centers in the Middle East and Asia. With increased demand for cross-border travel, the strengthened partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for global mobility.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Loyalty Perks
Both airlines have committed to strengthening the customer experience across their shared network. Travelers will continue to benefit from aligned schedules, coordinated operations, and improved airport services.
Frequent flyers gain even more value under the renewed agreement. Members of Aeroplan and Emirates Skywards can earn and redeem points on all eligible flights across both networks. This includes travel to more than 140 destinations via Dubai and over 220 destinations via Canada.
Future loyalty improvements will also allow passengers to redeem points in Premium Economy cabins, adding more flexibility for travelers seeking extra comfort. Priority services, such as dedicated check-in, boarding advantages, and lounge access for eligible passengers, will further elevate the travel journey.
Upgraded Airport Experience Through Dubai and Canada
Since 2022, Air Canada flights have operated from Dubai International’s Terminal 3, allowing its eligible passengers access to Emirates’ premium lounges. This hub is one of the busiest in the world and offers world-class facilities for long-haul travelers, including dining, shopping, relaxation zones, and premium hospitality services.
On the Canadian side, travelers can now enjoy streamlined connections through Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, and Vancouver. Both airlines continue to optimize schedules to reduce transfer times and improve the overall passenger journey.
Boost to International Tourism and Trade
The extended partnership has important implications for tourism growth between Canada, the UAE, and connecting regions. Travel between Canada and the Middle East has increased steadily as Dubai cements its position as a leading tourism, business, and logistics hub.
This expansion supports Canada’s tourism sector by attracting more visitors from the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. In return, Canadian travelers gain easier access to Dubai’s attractions, including world-famous entertainment venues, luxury resorts, desert experiences, and year-round events.
The agreement also strengthens cargo cooperation, which plays a vital role in global commerce. Air freight between Canada and the UAE has been growing consistently. With expanded cargo capabilities, both airlines aim to support industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and perishable goods. This increased trade flow supports economic growth and widens market access for Canadian exporters.
New Routes and Expanded Operations
This summer, several new Air Canada-operated routes have been added to the partnership, including connections between:
- Toronto and Minneapolis
- Montréal and Calgary
- Vancouver and Los Angeles
These additions give Emirates passengers more options to explore key Canadian and U.S. cities. Meanwhile, Air Canada maintains its daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner service between Toronto and Dubai, and Emirates continues daily A380 flights to Toronto along with daily Boeing 777 flights to Montréal.
Together, these services create a smooth network that supports both tourism and global business travel.
Future Developments on the Horizon
As part of the long-term plan, both airlines are preparing for operational transitions expected after 2032. This includes shifting operations to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), a future mega-hub designed for next-generation air travel. The move aims to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and elevate the customer experience with enhanced airport infrastructure.
The airlines are also assessing opportunities for a joint cargo initiative to streamline the movement of goods across key continents. Such cooperation could further integrate the supply chain between North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
A Partnership That Redefines Travel
With its renewed scope and extended timeline, the Air Canada–Emirates partnership stands as a powerful force in global aviation. It enhances tourism, strengthens trade, and offers travelers more choices, more comfort, and more seamless global journeys. As international travel continues to grow, this collaboration ensures passengers enjoy reliable and well-connected flight options across continents through 2032 and beyond.
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