ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop services connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly until March 21, 2027, these flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport throughout the winter months. This service establishes Gothenburg’s inaugural direct air link to the United Arab Emirates and offers western Sweden travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers to Etihad’s extensive network via its main hub, the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route facilitates onward travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Among the available connections listed by the airline are Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Those traveling in the reverse direction will also benefit from direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline announced the route in August 2026.
The service will be operated using an Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring 160 seats. The aircraft configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats, and 144 Economy seats. 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 adds a fourth cabin class to Etihad’s typical three-cabin service, complementing the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Gains Its First Direct Connection to the UAE
Swedavia, the operator managing Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December, with a schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this marks Gothenburg’s first direct link to the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also highlighted the improved connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, trade, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The new schedule enables arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi to access onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying guests hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for connecting flights within Europe. The service will operate seasonally, in line with the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter period.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR to Serve the Four-Weekly Route
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the capabilities of the Airbus A321LR, citing the city’s industrial and research significance. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch in 2026. The aircraft’s configuration allows Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The airline has scheduled the service for four days each week from December through March, with the final flight under this seasonal timetable scheduled for March 21, 2027. Until then, passengers can enjoy direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season. The airline will continue to operate the Airbus A321LR aircraft for this service, with the original launch date, frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal schedule remaining unchanged from the August 2026 announcement.