ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times a week until March 21, 2027. During the winter months, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This service establishes the first direct air connection between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates and provides western Sweden travelers with a nonstop route to the UAE capital.
The new connection from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg will integrate passengers into Etihad’s broader network through its main hub. Passengers can travel onward 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 connecting points. Those flying in the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales began when the airline announced this route in August 2026.
Etihad plans to operate the Gothenburg route using an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class seats come equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft also provides high-speed Wi-Fi across all cabins. This configuration brings the airline’s three-cabin service to the four-weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Becomes First City in Sweden with Direct UAE Flight
Swedavia, which operates Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the launch scheduled for December and the four-flights-per-week timetable. The company indicated that this route marks Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted that the new service improves connections with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region. Gothenburg is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business along Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule allows arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi to connect seamlessly to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying guests hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers originating from western Sweden, this route offers direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European connection. The seasonal service will operate as scheduled during the winter timetable for 2026-2027.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Four-Flights-Per-Week Service
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the Airbus A321LR aircraft. He also noted Gothenburg’s strong industrial and research sectors. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline has scheduled the service for four days each week from its December debut through the final flight in March.
The last flight under this seasonal schedule is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through Abu Dhabi. The airline continues to list the Airbus A321LR for this service. The launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation window remain exactly as announced in August 2026.