ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. The service will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter months, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This route establishes Gothenburg’s first direct air link to the United Arab Emirates and provides western Sweden travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers to Etihad’s extensive network through its Abu Dhabi hub, the new Gothenburg route enables continued 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 gain seasonal direct access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Bookings opened when the airline revealed the route in August 2026.
The Gothenburg service will be operated using an Airbus A321LR aircraft with 160 seats. The aircraft configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Passengers in First and Business classes can convert their seats into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy class features 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout all cabins. This setup allows Etihad to offer its three-cabin product on the four-weekly route between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg becomes the first city in Sweden to have direct UAE air service
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December, along with its four-flights-per-week schedule. The company emphasized that this marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted the improved connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport, serving Sweden’s second-largest city, is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on the country’s west coast.
The schedule facilitates onward connections for passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi across Etihad’s global 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 travelers originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for European connections. The service will remain seasonal as per the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter period.
Airbus A321LR designated for the four-weekly Gothenburg route
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves underscored the importance of the Airbus A321LR aircraft, noting the Swedish city’s strong industrial and research credentials. The airline counts Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launched in 2026. The aircraft’s design enables Etihad to provide First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route. The airline scheduled this service for four days per week from its December start until the final operation in March.
The last flight under the seasonal timetable is scheduled for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will offer direct scheduled flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter season. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections via the UAE capital. Etihad continues to operate the Airbus A321LR for this service. The announced launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation window remain consistent with the original August 2026 announcement.