ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to begin seasonal nonstop services linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate these flights four times weekly until March 21, 2027, creating the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates. During the winter season, flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This new route offers western Sweden travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital, marking a significant enhancement in regional connectivity.
The introduction of the Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route allows passengers to access Etihad’s broader network via its hub. From there, travelers can reach destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo among the available connections. For those traveling in the opposite direction, the route provides direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Flight bookings opened when the airline announced the new route in August 2026.
Etihad plans to deploy an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats on this route. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class passengers can enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all cabins. This configuration extends the airline’s three-cabin product to the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg achieves its first direct UAE flight connection
Swedavia, which manages Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the flights will commence in December with a schedule of four weekly departures. The company emphasized that this route establishes Gothenburg’s initial direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s Chief Executive, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted the enhanced links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport plays a vital role for industry, research, commerce, and international business along Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule facilitates onward travel for passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi, with access to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital for qualifying passengers. For travelers originating in western Sweden, the route provides a direct connection to Abu Dhabi without needing a European flight transfer. The service remains seasonal, consistent with the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Etihad will operate the four-weekly flights using Airbus A321LR aircraft
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, underscored the significance of the Airbus A321LR when announcing Gothenburg as a new destination. He also pointed out the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft allows Etihad to provide First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route. The airline scheduled the service for four days each week from its December debut through the final operation in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal program is planned for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will offer direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period. Travelers can use these flights for trips between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad continues to list the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft type for this service. The launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft model, and seasonal operating window remain exactly as announced in August 2026.