Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its freighter network with the launch of a weekly service to Toronto Pearson Airport, strengthening air cargo connectivity between Canada, the UAE and wider global markets.
The new route gives Canadian exporters additional capacity and supports growing bilateral trade flows between Canada and the UAE. According to Emirates SkyCargo, exports from Canada to the UAE increased by 24% year on year between 2023 and 2024, supported by direct air connectivity and strong trade relations.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, described the Toronto freighter service as an important milestone in the carrier’s network expansion strategy. He said the weekly operation will provide Canadian businesses with an additional 100 tonnes of export capacity every week, supplementing the bellyhold capacity already available on Emirates passenger flights.
The service also creates an important link between Canada and the European Union, one of Canada’s largest trading partners, through its inbound stop in Amsterdam.
Toronto Pearson also welcomed the launch. Kurush Minocher, Chief Commercial Officer at Toronto Pearson, said the new service reflects continued confidence in the airport as a strategic global trade gateway. As Canada’s largest air cargo hub, Toronto Pearson handles around 45% of the country’s total air cargo.
Flight EK9943 departs Dubai World Central at 07:10 local time on Fridays, arriving in Amsterdam at 12:15. It then continues to Toronto, arriving at 16:55 local time.
The return flight, EK9944, departs Toronto Pearson at 19:15 on Fridays and arrives at Dubai World Central at 16:15 on Saturdays.
The new freighter service will support exports including pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, electronics, components and general cargo. It will also serve Canada’s high-value, time-sensitive and temperature-sensitive export sectors, connecting them to Dubai and Emirates’ wider global network.
Between Amsterdam and Toronto, the main-deck capacity will support the movement of pharmaceuticals, perishables and manufactured goods from the EU to Canada.
Emirates SkyCargo has played a role in Canada’s international trade since launching passenger flights to Toronto in 2007. Since 2023, the carrier has transported more than 11,000 tonnes of export cargo from Canada. In July 2023, it also began offering cargo capacity on passenger flights to and from Montreal.
The carrier operates across six continents through Emirates’ fleet of more than 270 aircraft, including dedicated freighters. Since March 2026, Emirates SkyCargo has taken delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters and plans to add a further six Boeing 777 freighters during 2026.
