Air Canada cancels Vancouver–Dubai service after two years

Air Canada has cancelled its nonstop service between Vancouver and Dubai, less than two years after the route first launched. 

The carrier introduced the flight in October 2023, marking Vancouver’s first and only direct connection to the Middle East.

The service was operated seasonally during the winter months using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. 

The 298-seat jets feature three cabins: business class with lie-flat beds, premium economy and economy. 

The final flight departed British Columbia on March 27, 2025. 

Although flights had been scheduled to return in late November for the 2025/2026 season, they have since been removed from the schedule.

The Vancouver–Dubai link was established under Air Canada’s partnership with Emirates, announced in 2022. 

The agreement included codesharing, reciprocal loyalty benefits and lounge access, giving travellers more options to connect across both airlines’ networks. 

Dubai is also one of the world’s busiest hubs for long-haul travel, with connections to South Asia and the Middle East.

The decision raises questions about how Canada–UAE traffic rights will be allocated going forward. 

Unless existing service to Toronto or Montreal is adjusted, Emirates is unable to introduce flights to Vancouver under current restrictions. 

It is also unclear whether Air Canada will expand its Toronto–Dubai service to offset the loss.

PAX has reached out to Air Canada for comment.

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