ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate these flights four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking Zayed International Airport to Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter period. This route establishes Gothenburg’s first direct air link to the United Arab Emirates, offering western Swedish travelers a nonstop journey to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers through its home hub, the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will also facilitate access to Etihad’s broader network, including destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo as available connections. This seasonal route provides travelers heading in the opposite direction with direct access to Gothenburg and western Sweden, with bookings opening alongside the route announcement in August 2026.
The airline plans to operate the Gothenburg route using an Airbus A321LR configured with 160 seats, comprising two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access, while Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins. This configuration extends Etihad’s three-cabin service to the four flights per week between the UAE and Sweden during the winter season.
Gothenburg Gains Its First Direct UAE Flight
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the December launch with a schedule of four flights each week. The company emphasized that this route marks Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia’s Chief Executive Mats Johannesson also highlighted improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
This schedule enables arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi to connect to Etihad’s extensive network, and eligible 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 those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route offers direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European connection. The service will remain seasonal as per the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter period.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Seasonal Service
Etihad’s Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves underscored the Airbus A321LR when announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, also noting the city’s industrial and research significance. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch for 2026. The aircraft’s configuration enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. Scheduled for four days a week from December through March, the service will conclude on March 21, 2027.
Until then, the route will offer direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season, serving both point-to-point travelers and those connecting through the UAE capital. The airline continues to list the Airbus A321LR for this service, with the launch date, four-weekly schedule, aircraft type, and seasonal operation remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.