Canadian airlines may soon face growing pressure to improve onboard service, aircraft quality, and customer experience as the federal government expands air access for carriers from the Middle East. Ottawa has moved to loosen long standing restrictions on flights from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, a decision that aviation experts say could significantly alter the competitive landscape for international travel to and from Canada.
Aviation analyst John Gradek of McGill University told CBC News that airlines from the Middle East are widely regarded as global leaders in passenger experience. He said increased access for these carriers is likely to push Canadian airlines to re evaluate their service standards if they want to compete effectively. Gradek said the move will challenge major players such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to upgrade amenities, aircraft interiors, and overall customer service. Middle Eastern airlines, particularly Emirates, have built a global reputation for premium offerings that extend even into economy class. Online videos showcasing luxury cabins, high end meals, and onboard lounges have attracted millions of viewers and helped elevate passenger expectations worldwide. Gradek said these carriers often rely on strong profits from premium cabins to subsidize lower economy fares, a model that Canadian airlines may struggle to replicate.
Canada’s relationship with Middle Eastern aviation has been shaped by past diplomatic tensions. In 2010, Ottawa limited flights from the UAE amid concerns raised by Air Canada about foreign carriers diverting Canadian passengers through overseas hubs. The UAE responded by removing Canada’s access to a military logistics base used during the Afghanistan mission. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, suspended flights to Canada between 2018 and 2023 following a diplomatic dispute over human rights criticism. Prime Minister Mark Carney has since sought to rebuild ties with the region as part of a broader strategy to diversify trade away from the United States. During a visit to the UAE in November, Carney secured a pledge of up to $70 billion in investment and emphasized that Canada intends to deepen economic links globally. Shortly afterward, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced expanded air transport agreements with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Under the new arrangements, passenger flights from Saudi Arabia to Canada will increase from four to as many as 14 per week, while flights from the UAE will rise from 21 to as many as 35 per week. The deal also allows unlimited cargo flights and grants Canadian airlines reciprocal rights to operate the same number of passenger flights to the Middle East. MacKinnon said the changes reflect Canada’s ambition to grow export markets and strengthen international business ties. Gradek noted that while the agreement is technically reciprocal, Middle Eastern airlines are likely to gain more from the expanded access. He said these carriers can funnel Canadian travellers through major hubs such as Dubai to destinations across Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Canadian airlines, by contrast, are more limited in the connecting traffic they can offer beyond Canada, largely funneling passengers onward to the United States.
Air Canada said in a statement to CBC News that it already competes with the world’s best airlines and pointed to its expanded partnership with Emirates. The two carriers recently extended their strategic agreement through 2032, allowing shared ticket sales and loyalty program benefits on select routes. WestJet and Air Transat declined to comment on how the policy shift may affect their operations. As Ottawa continues to open Canadian skies, including recent moves to expand air links with countries such as Albania, industry watchers say passengers stand to benefit from greater choice and potentially better service. For Canadian airlines, however, the arrival of more Middle Eastern competition may force a hard look at how they deliver value in an increasingly global and service driven market.