Airlines operating in Canada may face increased demands from customers to enhance their services as the Canadian government relaxes restrictions on air travel from the Middle East. Ottawa is easing limits on flights from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates following previous diplomatic tensions that had constrained air travel. Aviation specialist John Gradek noted that Middle Eastern airlines are globally renowned for their top-notch services, prompting Canadian carriers to step up their game to compete effectively with these foreign counterparts.
According to Gradek, Canadian airlines will need to elevate their service standards to rival the offerings of Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates. This shift is expected to compel Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to reassess the in-flight services, amenities, and aircraft configurations they provide to passengers. Recent parliamentary inquiries by Canadian MPs and senators have explored various challenges facing the country’s aviation sector, including limited competition, high ticket prices, accessibility concerns, and passenger rights issues.
Emirates, for instance, is recognized for its luxurious first-class accommodations, as showcased in viral online videos featuring lavish amenities such as caviar meals, premium sleeping pods, and onboard showers. In the past, the Canadian government had restricted additional flights from the United Arab Emirates to safeguard the domestic industry, citing concerns about the lack of reciprocal benefits for Canadian carriers. This move led to diplomatic repercussions, with the UAE suspending Canada’s access to a strategic logistics base used by Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia also suspended flights to Canada in response to human rights criticisms, further straining bilateral relations. In an effort to diversify trade partnerships beyond the U.S., Prime Minister Mark Carney has been working to strengthen ties with Middle Eastern nations. During his visit to the UAE, Carney secured a substantial $70 billion investment commitment for Canada. Subsequently, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced an expansion of air transport agreements, allowing for increased passenger and cargo flights between Canada and the Middle East.
Gradek highlighted the aspirations of Middle Eastern carriers to achieve open skies agreements similar to Canada’s accord with the United States, enabling unrestricted market access. He predicts that the new deal will benefit foreign airlines by facilitating the transportation of Canadian travelers to global connecting hubs, while Canadian carriers will primarily cater to travelers transiting through Canada to the U.S. market. This shift may result in a larger market share for Middle Eastern airlines, as they excel in offering premium experiences at competitive prices.
In response to these developments, Air Canada emphasized its competitiveness on a global scale, pointing out its partnership with Emirates to enhance connectivity beyond Dubai. The airline highlighted its commitment to maintaining high service standards and customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, WestJet and Air Transat refrained from commenting on the implications of the government’s decision to expand air transit agreements. Additionally, the government’s initiative to increase flights between Canada and Albania aims to bolster the country’s air connectivity with international destinations.
