ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop services linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. The flights will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter months, flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the inaugural direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, offering western Sweden travelers a nonstop route to the UAE capital.
The new route from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg integrates into Etihad’s broader network via its primary hub, providing connections to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Among the available options are Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Conversely, travelers heading in the opposite direction will enjoy direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced with the route announcement in August 2026.
The airline intends to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR, which offers 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access, while Economy class seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all cabins. This configuration allows Etihad to expand its three-cabin product to four weekly flights connecting the UAE and Sweden during the winter season.
Gothenburg Gains Its First Direct Flight to the UAE
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the route will launch in December with a schedule of four flights each week. The company emphasized that this is Gothenburg’s first direct link with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also highlighted the enhanced connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, trade, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule enables travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to access onward flights via Etihad’s extensive network. Additionally, eligible passengers can take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route provides a direct connection to Abu Dhabi without needing a European flight transfer. The service will be seasonal, operating during the 2026-2027 winter timetable.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Seasonal Service
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR, citing its suitability for the route and the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch in 2026. The aircraft enables the airline to offer three cabins—First, Business, and Economy—on the four-weekly service, scheduled from December through March.
The final scheduled flight under this seasonal schedule is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will maintain direct scheduled flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period. Travelers may use the flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad continues to list the Airbus A321LR for this service, with the details—including launch date, frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation—remaining consistent with the announcement made in August 2026.