Air Canada Joins New Partner Emirates in Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3

About a year ago, Air Canada and Emirates announced a new partnership between the 2 airlines that would provide more seamless travel for flyers as well as new ways to earn and redeem miles.

Now, the duo has taken their relationship to the next level — Air Canada will move into Emirates’ base in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) as of July 26, 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about this change at one of the world’s busiest hubs.

Air Canada and Emirates To Colocate in Dubai

We’ve been watching the new partnership between Air Canada and Emirates develop over the last year, and now the 2 airlines are taking the next step — Air Canada is moving into Emirates’ home in Dubai.

Starting July 26, 2023, Air Canada flights will begin landing at Dubai International’s Terminal 3, while Air Canada’s first flight departing from T3, a jaunt from Dubai to Toronto (YYZ), will happen on July 27, 2023.

Those flying business class with Air Canada will find airline-specific check-in and drop-off areas in the same area as Emirates’ first and business class drop-off areas. Eligible Air Canada flyers (business class passengers and Aeroplan 50K members and above) can enter the Emirates Business Class lounge in T3.

“This relocation will streamline operations for Air Canada, enable us to optimize our airport’s efficiency, and improve the overall travel experience. Terminal 3 is a world-class facility designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers, with biometric touchpoints, spacious and comfortable waiting areas, and a wide variety of dining and shopping outlets,” said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports. 

The Air Canada-Emirates Partnership

Since their partnership was announced last summer, Air Canada and Emirates have been working to integrate certain systems, place codeshares on each other’s flights, and iron out the process for earning and redeeming miles on each other’s flights.

The 2 airlines now have a codeshare agreement that spans 42 routes, Air Canada has a new partnership with Emirates subsidiary flyDubai, their cargo operations are better coordinated, and the interline agreement between the 2 carriers has been made stronger.

In terms of new routes, Emirates began flying a Boeing 777 daily between Dubai and Montreal (YUL), which joined its existing daily Airbus A380 service to Toronto. Air Canada, meanwhile, commenced daily flights between Toronto and Dubai and will start flying between Vancouver (YVR) and Dubai 4 times per week with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Final Thoughts

Air Canada moving into Emirates’ terminal in Dubai was a natural next step in the carriers’ evolving relationship. And now it’s happening.

Air Canada passengers flying between Canada and Dubai will be able to enjoy an enhanced experience on the ground, not to mention seamless connections when they arrive in, depart from, or pass through Dubai.