ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will begin seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter schedule, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. 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 its broader network through its hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s new Gothenburg service enables continued travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline mentions Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo as available connections. Meanwhile, travelers heading in the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline unveiled the route in August 2026.
An Airbus A321LR with 160 seats will operate the Gothenburg flights, equipped with two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business cabins feature fully flat beds and direct aisle access. Economy seating includes 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, along with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the aircraft. This configuration expands Etihad’s three-cabin offering to support the four-weekly service between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg’s First Direct UAE Air Connection Announced
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December and its four-flights-per-week schedule. The company emphasized that this is Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also highlighted improved ties with 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, trade, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
This schedule offers arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi the opportunity for onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital for qualifying passengers. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route provides a direct link to Abu Dhabi without requiring a European connection. The service will operate seasonally during the 2026-2027 winter schedule, as per the announced timetable.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR to Serve Gothenburg Four Times Weekly
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR when the airline announced Gothenburg as a new destination, noting the city’s strong industrial and research sectors. The carrier has designated Gothenburg as its 15th new route launch of 2026. The aircraft’s configuration allows Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route. The airline has scheduled the service for four days each week from its December launch through the final operation date in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal plan is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will operate regularly during the winter season, providing direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg. Passengers can travel between the two cities or connect through the UAE capital. The airline continues to specify the Airbus A321LR for this route, with the initial launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation all remaining consistent with the August 2026 announcement.