ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop services connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly until March 21, 2027, this route will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter period. This marks the inaugural direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Sweden travelers a nonstop connection to the UAE capital.
The new route from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg will connect passengers to Etihad’s broader network via its central hub, enabling onward travel to 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, travelers heading in the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced with the route’s announcement in August 2026.
The airline plans to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats. This aircraft configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Passengers in First and Business cabins can enjoy fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy class features 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, alongside high-speed Wi-Fi available in all cabins. The addition of this aircraft brings Etihad’s three-cabin product to the four-weekly service connecting the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg earns its first-ever direct air link with the UAE
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the commencement of the route in December, with a schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this marks Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson highlighted the enhancement of regional links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international enterprise along Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule facilitates passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi to connect to Etihad’s extensive network. Qualified 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 those originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without needing a European connection. The service will remain seasonal throughout the winter timetable for 2026-2027, as announced.
The Airbus A321LR will operate the seasonal service
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR during the announcement of Gothenburg as a new destination, citing the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination of 2026. The aircraft’s configuration enables the airline to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline scheduled the service for four days each week from the initial December launch through to its final operation in March.
The last scheduled flight of this seasonal program is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled flights linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter period. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for onward connections through the UAE capital. Etihad maintains the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft type for this route. All details—including the launch date, four-weekly schedule, aircraft model, and seasonal operation—remain as announced in August 2026, with no changes.