ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly until March 21, 2027, these flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter season. This route establishes the inaugural direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Swedish travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
Passengers on the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will connect to Etihad’s extensive network through the airline’s hub. This enables onward travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, with options including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Return travelers will benefit from direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline announced the route in August 2026.
The Gothenburg route will be operated using an Airbus A321LR aircraft, which accommodates 160 passengers. The plane features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. All cabins are connected via high-speed Wi-Fi. This configuration adds a fourth cabin class to the airline’s usual three, supporting the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
Sweden’s Gothenburg Gains Its First Direct UAE Flight
Swedavia, which manages Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the service will commence in December with a schedule of four flights per week. The company highlighted that this route introduces Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia Chief Executive Mats Johannesson also emphasized improved links to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a major hub for industry, research, trade, and international commerce on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule facilitates travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi with onward flights across Etihad’s network. Eligible connecting passengers may 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 those originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European connection. The service will be seasonal, as per the timetable announced for the 2026-2027 winter period.
Airbus A321LR to Serve the Four-Weekly Flight Schedule
When announcing Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR, noting the Swedish city’s industrial and research significance. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft allows Etihad to provide First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The scheduled service will operate four days each week from its December start until the final flight in March.
The seasonal schedule concludes on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will deliver direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter season. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or as connections via Abu Dhabi to other destinations. Etihad continues to list the Airbus A321LR for this route, with the launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation remaining consistent with the initial August 2026 announcement.