ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this route four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking the UAE’s capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Ticket sales for the new service are already open. The flights will run between Zayed International Airport and Gothenburg Landvetter Airport.
This new route will establish Gothenburg’s first direct air connection with the United Arab Emirates and create its first nonstop link to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers from western Sweden can connect through Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers departing from the Gothenburg region. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport serves the city and the larger western Sweden area.
Etihad plans to operate the route using an Airbus A321LR configured to carry 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats can be converted into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy cabins are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all three classes. The A321LR is a long-range narrow-body aircraft recently added to Etihad’s fleet.
Route broadens one-stop connectivity across Asia
The Gothenburg schedule will connect with multiple onward flights through Abu Dhabi, including destinations such as 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 the carrier’s extensive network from its main hub. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays for up to two nights.
Gothenburg is the 15th new destination launched by Etihad in 2026. Situated on Sweden’s west coast, the city is a hub for industry, research, and commerce. It also acts as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, responsible for operating Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the importance of travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets. They also highlighted demand driven by business travelers and those visiting friends and family.
The Airbus A321LR will operate four weekly flights
Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves explained that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-cabin service on the Gothenburg route. He also noted that industry and research sectors are significant to the Swedish city’s profile. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, stated the new route will enhance regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, marking the first direct link between Gothenburg and the UAE. Both leaders confirmed the route as part of the announcement made on August 12.
The seasonal service will operate four times weekly during the winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This route provides a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE, offering Gothenburg passengers access to Abu Dhabi and connecting destinations. Meanwhile, travelers from the UAE will benefit from a nonstop option to western Sweden during the service’s duration. The schedule, aircraft type, and operational period are consistent with the details announced on August 12, 2026.