ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights linking Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly until March 21, 2027, this new route will connect Zayed International Airport to Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter months. This marks the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Sweden travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will serve as a gateway to Etihad’s broader network through its hub. Passengers can connect to 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, there will be direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline revealed the route in August 2026.
Etihad plans to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR with seating for 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access, while Economy seats come equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi will be available throughout the aircraft. This configuration allows the airline to expand its three-cabin product offering to support the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Launches Its First Direct Flight Connection to the UAE
Swedavia, which manages Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s debut in December and its four-flight weekly schedule. The organization emphasized that this marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted the improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and its surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, trade, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule will facilitate connections for passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi, enabling onward travel across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers 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 travelers from western Sweden, the route offers direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for connecting flights within Europe. This service will be seasonal, aligning with the timetable for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR to Handle the Four-Weekly Service
Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft of choice when announcing Gothenburg as a new destination. He also pointed to the city’s industrial and research capabilities. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft’s configuration allows for First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route, which is scheduled to operate four days each week from December through March.
The final scheduled flight of this seasonal service is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period. Passengers can travel for business or leisure purposes between the two cities or connect through the UAE capital. The airline continues to list the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft type for this service, with the four-weekly frequency, launch date, and seasonal schedule remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.