ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights linking Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg beginning on December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this route four times weekly until March 21, 2027. These flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter months. This marks the first direct air route between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, offering western Swedish travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service provides passengers with access to Etihad’s extensive network through its hub. Travelers will be able to reach destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Among the available connections listed by the airline are Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Conversely, passengers traveling from Gothenburg will benefit from direct seasonal flights to the western region of Sweden and the UAE. Ticket sales started shortly after the route was announced in August 2026.
For the Gothenburg route, Etihad plans to operate an Airbus A321LR aircraft equipped with 160 seats. The plane features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins can be transformed into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy class passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, along with high-speed Wi-Fi available in all cabins. This configuration enables Etihad to expand its three-cabin service to a four-flight weekly schedule between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg welcomes its first direct flight connection to the UAE
Swedavia, which operates Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the flights will commence in December with a schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this route is the first direct connection between Gothenburg and the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted that this new route will strengthen links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and its surrounding western region. Gothenburg is recognized as a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international trade along Sweden’s west coast.
The flight schedule enables travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to connect to Etihad’s broader network. Eligible passengers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides qualifying guests with hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route offers direct access to Abu Dhabi without needing a European connection. The service is scheduled to operate seasonally during the 2026-2027 winter period, as per the announced timetable.
Airbus A321LR to serve the four flights each week
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, pointed out the Airbus A321LR during the announcement of Gothenburg as a new destination. He also highlighted the city’s industrial and research capabilities. The airline has marked Gothenburg as its 15th new destination for 2026. The aircraft’s design allows Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline has scheduled the service for four days weekly from the route’s debut in December until its final operation in March.
The seasonal schedule concludes with the last flight on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct service connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter period. Travelers can use these flights for journeys between the two cities or for connecting flights through the UAE capital. Etihad continues to utilize the Airbus A321LR for this route. The launch date, frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation remain exactly as initially announced in August 2026.