ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly, the service will run until March 21, 2027. This route aims to link the UAE capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the new flights from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg are already available. The route will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This development marks Gothenburg’s first direct air connection with the United Arab Emirates, offering a groundbreaking link for the city. It will also be the first nonstop route connecting Gothenburg to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden will have the opportunity to connect via Abu Dhabi to destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, this service provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers departing from Gothenburg. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves the city and the wider western Swedish region.
Etihad Airways will operate this route using an Airbus A321LR configured to carry 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy seating includes 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft also provides high-speed Wi-Fi across all three cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, has recently joined Etihad’s fleet.
New route broadens one-stop travel options across Asia
The Gothenburg schedule is coordinated with several onward routes through Abu Dhabi. These include connections to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline plans to arrive in Abu Dhabi during the evening, enabling passengers to access its extensive global network from its main hub. Eligible travelers with connecting flights can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights.
The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch in 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is notable for its industrial, research, and commercial activity. The city also acts as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the importance of travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets. They also highlighted demand driven by business travel and visits to relatives and friends.
Airbus A321LR to operate four weekly flights on the route
Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves stated that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-cabin product on the Gothenburg route. He also underscored the significance of industry and research as key aspects of Gothenburg’s appeal. Swedavia Chief Executive Mats Johannesson noted that the new service will enhance regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Both executives confirmed the route as part of the announcement made on August 12.
The seasonal service will continue with four weekly flights throughout its scheduled winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This route creates a direct link between Sweden and the UAE, providing Gothenburg passengers with access to Abu Dhabi and other destinations via connecting flights. Meanwhile, travelers from the UAE will benefit from a nonstop option to western Sweden during the flight season. The published schedule, aircraft type, and operating dates remain consistent following the route’s announcement on August 12, 2026.