ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. This service will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter schedule, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the first direct air route between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Swedish travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The newly introduced Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will connect passengers to Etihad’s extensive network via its main hub. Travelers can seamlessly reach destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Conversely, those heading in the opposite direction will enjoy direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline revealed the route in August 2026.
The airline plans to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR equipped with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access, while Economy seats include 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. Additionally, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all cabins. This configuration extends the airline’s three-cabin product to the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg welcomes its first direct air link with the UAE
Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the December start date and the four-flight-per-week schedule. The organization highlighted that this route establishes Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also emphasized that the new route enhances connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
This schedule provides arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi with onward options across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also utilize the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying passengers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route offers a direct connection to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European flight transfer. As announced for the 2026-2027 winter season, the service will operate seasonally according to the timetable.
Airbus A321LR will serve the four flights weekly route
When unveiling Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted the aircraft type, specifically the Airbus A321LR. He also acknowledged Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths. The airline has listed Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft’s capabilities enable Etihad to offer a three-class cabin setup—First, Business, and Economy—on this route. The airline has scheduled the service to operate four days each week from its December debut through the final flight in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal program is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season. Passengers can utilize these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. The airline continues to specify the Airbus A321LR for this route, with the launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.