ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights linking Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly until March 21, 2027, this route will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter season. It marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct air link to the United Arab Emirates, providing western Swedish travelers a nonstop route to Abu Dhabi.
The new service will connect passengers to Etihad’s extensive network via its hub in Abu Dhabi, offering onward flights to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists connections to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. For those traveling in the opposite direction, it provides direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced with the route announcement in August 2026.
For the Gothenburg route, Etihad plans to deploy an Airbus A321LR equipped with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access, while Economy seats include 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all cabins, adding to the airline’s three-cabin offering on this four-weekly service connecting the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg Achieves Its First Direct UAE Flight
Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December and its schedule of four flights per week. The company noted this marks Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE, with improved links to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and nearby western region, Gothenburg is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
Travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi will have access to onward flights via Etihad’s network, with options to connect to numerous destinations. Eligible passengers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. The route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers from western Sweden, eliminating the need for European connections. This seasonal service will operate as scheduled during the winter timetable for 2026-2027.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR Will Serve the Seasonal Gothenburg Route
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the airline’s choice of the Airbus A321LR when announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, citing the city’s industrial and research strengths. The carrier has designated Gothenburg as its 15th new destination of 2026. The aircraft enables the airline to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this service, scheduled for four days each week from its December launch through March.
The final scheduled flight under this seasonal plan will be on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide consistent direct service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg for the entire winter period. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connecting onward via the UAE capital. The airline maintains the Airbus A321LR as its chosen aircraft for this route, with the initial launch details, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.