ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly 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 and offers western Sweden travelers a nonstop route to the UAE capital.
The new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will connect passengers to Etihad’s extensive network via its main hub. Passengers can continue onward to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline includes Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo among available transfer points. Those traveling in the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. The route was announced in August 2026, with bookings opening at that time.
For the Gothenburg route, Etihad plans to operate an Airbus A321LR configured with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft. This configuration enables the airline to extend its three-cabin product to the four-weekly service between the UAE and Sweden.
First direct UAE flight connection to Gothenburg established
Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the December launch and the schedule of four flights each week. The company stated that this route is Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also emphasized the improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region. Gothenburg plays a key role in industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule provides passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi with access to onward flights across Etihad’s network. Eligible travelers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For passengers originating from western Sweden, the route offers direct access to Abu Dhabi without requiring a European connection. The service will remain seasonal during the winter timetable for 2026-2027, as announced.
Airbus A321LR to operate the four-weekly service
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR when the airline announced Gothenburg as a new destination, citing the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch in 2026. The aircraft’s design allows Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route. The airline scheduled the flights for four days each week from the route’s December start through the final operation in March.
The last flight under this seasonal schedule is planned for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter period. Passengers can utilize these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through Abu Dhabi. Etihad maintains the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft of choice for this service. The launch date, four-flight-per-week schedule, aircraft type, and seasonal operation have remained consistent since the announcement in August 2026.