ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will start a seasonal nonstop route between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg on December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this service four times weekly until March 21, 2027. The flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter travel period. This new route establishes a direct link between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets are currently available via the airline’s booking channels.
The addition of Gothenburg flights will mark western Sweden’s first direct air connection with the United Arab Emirates. According to Etihad, this route also represents Gothenburg’s first nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers can access onward flights through Abu Dhabi to numerous destinations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Among the listed destinations are Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The route also offers UAE travelers direct access to western Sweden.
The airline plans to operate the route using an Airbus A321LR, which can accommodate up to 160 passengers. The aircraft’s cabin configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and feature direct aisle access. Economy passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the aircraft. Thanks to the long-range narrow-body design, Etihad can provide three cabin classes on the Gothenburg route.
New direct route boosts Gothenburg’s global air connectivity
The schedule allows passengers to arrive in Abu Dhabi with access to Etihad’s extensive connecting network. Eligible travelers can also benefit from the airline’s Abu Dhabi Stopover program, offering qualifying passengers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those in the Gothenburg region, the new seasonal service reduces the need to change aircraft in other European airports before reaching Abu Dhabi. It also provides a direct seasonal option for travelers between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, which manages Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the four-weekly schedule and the December start date. The airport authority described this service as Gothenburg’s first direct link with the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also emphasized improved connections with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg, a major hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast, is served by the airport that caters to the wider western Swedish regional market.
Three-cabin service introduced to Sweden’s western coast via A321LR
Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the A321LR’s three-class configuration when announcing the new route. He also pointed out Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths as notable features of the destination. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The seasonal flights will operate during the winter period four times a week, with the final scheduled operation date remaining March 21, 2027, as per the timetable announced with the route.
The Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route adds another nonstop connection to Etihad’s network from its hub. For Gothenburg, this service provides the first direct scheduled access to Abu Dhabi. Passengers can choose between point-to-point travel or making onward connections through the UAE capital. The airline maintains the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft of choice, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins. The announced launch date, frequency, and seasonal operation period remain consistent with the initial August 2026 announcement.