ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking Zayed International Airport to Gothenburg Landvetter Airport during the winter months. This marks the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates and offers western Sweden travelers a nonstop route to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers to Etihad’s broader network through its main hub, the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service allows travelers to reach destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo among its available connections. Conversely, travelers heading in the opposite direction will have direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Bookings opened when the airline announced the route in August 2026.
An Airbus A321LR with 160 seats is planned for the Gothenburg route. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business cabins 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 offers high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all cabins, expanding the airline’s three-cabin service to the four-weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
First Direct UAE Connection for Gothenburg
Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December and its four-flights-per-week schedule. The company emphasized that the route represents Gothenburg’s first direct link to 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, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule enables travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to connect to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible passengers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For passengers originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European connection. The service will remain seasonal during the winter timetable announced for 2026-2027.
Gothenburg’s First Airbus A321LR Service
When unveiling Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the Airbus A321LR, noting the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launch for 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline has scheduled the service four days each week from December until the final operation in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal program is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg for the entire winter period. Travelers can use these flights for journeys between the two cities or for connections through Abu Dhabi. Etihad maintains the Airbus A321LR for this route, and the initial launch date, four-weekly flights, aircraft type, and seasonal schedule remain exactly as announced in August 2026.