ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop services linking Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. The route is scheduled to operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter season, flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Sweden travelers with a nonstop route to the UAE capital.
Passengers on the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will benefit from access to Etihad’s broader network through its hub, allowing connections to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline’s listed options include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. For travelers heading in the opposite direction, the route offers direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and the western region of Sweden. Ticket sales began when the airline announced the route in August 2026.
An Airbus A321LR with 160 seats will operate the Gothenburg flights. The aircraft configuration features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business classes can be converted into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy class passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi available in all cabins. This configuration expands Etihad’s three-cabin product to the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg gains its first direct UAE air link
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the service would commence in December with a schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this route establishes Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s Chief Executive Mats Johannesson also highlighted the enhanced links to 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, commerce, and international business along Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule provides travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi with onward connections across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible passengers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying guests hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those beginning their journey in western Sweden, the route offers direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European flight connection. This service will remain seasonal during the winter operating period outlined for 2026-2027.
Etihad’s four-weekly Gothenburg route will be operated by Airbus A321LR
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the significance of the Airbus A321LR aircraft, noting the city’s strong industrial and research foundation. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft’s configuration allows for First, Business, and Economy cabins, supporting the airline’s premium service offerings on this route. The airline has scheduled the service to operate four days each week from its December launch until the final flight in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal plan will take place on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad continues to specify the Airbus A321LR for this route, with the initial launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft model, and seasonal operation remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.