ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to begin seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter season, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the inaugural direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates and provides western Sweden travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The newly launched Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will connect passengers to Etihad’s broader network through its main hub. This enables continuing journeys to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru and Colombo. Passengers returning from the opposite direction will enjoy direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales began when the airline announced the route in August 2026.
The airline plans to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins 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 expands the airline’s three-cabin service to the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Secures Its First Direct UAE Flight Connection
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December and the schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this route is Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia Chief Executive Mats Johannesson also highlighted the enhanced 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 business along Sweden’s west coast.
Travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi will have access to onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Those eligible can also utilize the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying passengers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers originating in western Sweden, this route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without needing a European flight connection. The service will be seasonal, following the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter schedule.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR to Operate Four Weekly Flights
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, underscored the importance of the Airbus A321LR when announcing Gothenburg as a new destination. He also acknowledged the city’s strong industrial and research sectors. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination for 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline has scheduled flights four days each week from its December debut until the final operation in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal plan will be on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the entire winter period. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connecting through the UAE capital. The airline continues to specify the Airbus A321LR for this service, maintaining the initial launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation plan as announced in August 2026.