ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is scheduled to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly, this route will continue until March 21, 2027. During the winter months, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the first direct air service 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 allows passengers to connect to Etihad’s broader network via its main hub, offering onward flights to various destinations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo as available connections. Conversely, travelers from the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced with the announcement of the route in August 2026.
The airline plans to operate the Gothenburg route using an Airbus A321LR, which has 160 seats. The aircraft configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access, while Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft also features high-speed Wi-Fi available in all cabins. This configuration allows Etihad to expand its three-cabin service to the four-weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg gains its first direct flight link to the UAE
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the December launch and four flights per week schedule. The company emphasized that this route establishes Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also highlighted the improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the nearby western region. Gothenburg is recognized as a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business along Sweden’s west coast.
This schedule grants travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi access to onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible passengers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital for qualifying travelers. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route provides a direct flight to Abu Dhabi without the need for European connections. The service will operate seasonally according to the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter period.
Four-weekly service will be operated by Airbus A321LR
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR when the airline revealed 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 in 2026. The aircraft allows Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The service has been scheduled to operate four days each week from its December debut until the final scheduled flight in March.
The last flight under the seasonal timetable is planned for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide regular direct service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season. Passengers can choose the flights for travel between the two cities or for connections via the UAE capital. Etihad maintains its use of the Airbus A321LR for this route, with the launch date, four-weekly schedule, aircraft type, and seasonal operation remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.