ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop services connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly until March 21, 2027, these flights will link Zayed International Airport to Gothenburg Landvetter Airport during the winter period. This route establishes Gothenburg’s first direct air link to the United Arab Emirates and offers western Swedish travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers through its Abu Dhabi hub, the new route enables access to Etihad’s extensive network across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Among the available onward destinations are Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Those traveling in the opposite direction will gain direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline announced this route in August 2026.
For the Gothenburg service, Etihad plans to operate an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business cabins include fully flat beds and 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 product to its four-weekly service between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Achieves Its First Direct UAE Flight Connection
Swedavia, managing Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the launch date in December and the schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this route marks Gothenburg’s first direct link with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also highlighted the enhanced connections 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 on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule facilitates passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi with onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also utilize 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 provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European connection. The service will remain seasonal during the winter timetable announced for 2026-2027.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR to Operate the Seasonal Gothenburg Route
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves underscored the Airbus A321LR when unveiling Gothenburg as a new destination, citing the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new route launch in 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to provide First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline scheduled the service for four days each week from its December debut through the last flight in March.
The final scheduled flight under this seasonal operation is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will offer scheduled direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season. Travelers can choose the flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad maintains the Airbus A321LR for this service, with the launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal schedule all remaining as announced in August 2026.