ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop services connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times per week until March 21, 2027, the route will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter season. This marks the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, offering western Swedish travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers to Etihad’s extensive network through its hub, the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route allows onward travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists connections to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Travelers heading in the reverse direction will also benefit from direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced with the announcement of the route in August 2026.
On the Gothenburg route, Etihad intends to operate an Airbus A321LR configured with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins offer fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy seats come equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins. This four-weekly service introduces a fourth cabin class option, complementing the airline’s usual three-class product for flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg welcomes its inaugural direct link to the UAE
Swedavia, the organization responsible for operating Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the December launch date and the schedule of four flights weekly. The company emphasized that this route establishes Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted the enhancement of links to 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, commerce, and international enterprise along the west coast of Sweden.
The schedule provides arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi with access to onward flights via Etihad’s network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying guests hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route offers a direct connection to Abu Dhabi without the need for European flights. This seasonal service will operate during the 2026-2027 winter timetable as announced.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR will serve the four-flights-a-week route
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves underscored the capabilities of the Airbus A321LR, also noting the city’s strong industrial and research base. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch in 2026. The aircraft enables the airline to provide First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. Scheduled for four departures each week from December through March, the service is designed to meet seasonal demand.
The final flight within the seasonal timetable is scheduled for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will offer direct scheduled services between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period, accommodating both point-to-point travelers and those connecting through the UAE capital. Etihad continues to operate the Airbus A321LR on this route, with no changes to the initial announcement’s launch date, frequency, aircraft type, or seasonal schedule confirmed in August 2026.