Late last year, following a visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the Middle East, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced the expansion of air transport agreements with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The reciprocal deal will allow Canadian carriers to send the same amount of flights to the Middle East. in past years after diplomatic spats over human rights issues and a lack of reciprocal benefits for Canada’ airlines. A CBC News story suggests that the expanded air agreements will put pressure on Canadian airlines, as they try to compete with the services offered by Middle East carriers. In mid-November, Air Canada and Emirates expanded a previous three-year strategic partnership until 2032.

Source: CBC News January 05, 2026 11:30 UTC