ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to begin seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg on December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter months, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This service introduces the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates. It also offers travelers in western Sweden a nonstop route to the UAE’s capital.
The newly launched Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will connect passengers to 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 as available connecting points. Those traveling in the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales began when the airline announced this route in August 2026.
Etihad plans to operate the Gothenburg route using an Airbus A321LR, which has a capacity of 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy class seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft also supplies high-speed Wi-Fi across all cabins. This configuration expands the airline’s three-cabin service to the four-weekly flight between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg welcomes its first direct flight connection to the UAE
Swedavia, which operates Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the route would begin in December, with four flights scheduled each week. The company emphasized that this marks Gothenburg’s first direct link to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted that the route will enhance connections with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and its western region. Gothenburg is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule allows arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi to connect to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program. This initiative offers qualifying passengers 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. The service will operate seasonally, according to the timetable for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Four-Weekly Service
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR when the airline announced Gothenburg as a new destination. He also pointed out the Swedish city’s industrial and research strengths. Gothenburg is listed as the airline’s 15th new destination in 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline has scheduled the flights for four days each week from its December debut until the final service in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal program is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter operating period. Passengers can use these flights for journeys between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad maintains the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft for this route. The launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal schedule remain exactly as announced in August 2026.