ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg beginning on December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this route four times weekly through March 21, 2027. During the winter season, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the first direct air connection between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, offering western Swedish travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route enhances Etihad’s global network by connecting passengers at its main hub. Travelers will have the opportunity to reach destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. For those traveling in the opposite direction, the route provides seasonal direct access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales began when the airline announced this route in August 2026.
Etihad intends to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR configured with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Passengers in First and Business cabins can enjoy fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy seats come equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi will be available across all cabins. This configuration expands Etihad’s three-cabin product offering to the four-weekly service between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Gains Its First Direct Flight to the UAE
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s December launch along with its four-flights-per-week schedule. The company emphasized that this marks Gothenburg’s first-ever direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia Chief Executive Mats Johannesson also highlighted the route’s role in strengthening links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region, which is a vital hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule allows travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to connect onward to destinations across Etihad’s extensive network. Additionally, eligible passengers can take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without needing a European connection. This service is expected to remain seasonal, according to the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter schedule.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Four-Weekly Flight Service
When unveiling Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR and its suitability for the route, also noting Gothenburg’s industrial and research importance. The airline has listed Gothenburg as its 15th new destination for 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route, which is scheduled to operate four days each week from December through March, concluding on March 21, 2027. The final scheduled flight under this seasonal plan will be the last of the winter period.
Until then, the route will provide regular direct service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad will maintain its Airbus A321LR as the aircraft for this route, with the four-weekly schedule, aircraft type, and seasonal timing remaining as initially announced in August 2026.