ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. This route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027, connecting Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter months. It represents the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates and provides western Sweden travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The newly launched Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will integrate passengers into Etihad’s broader network through its main hub, enabling connections to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Among the options listed by the airline are Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Travelers heading in the opposite direction will also benefit from direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced alongside the route announcement in August 2026.
The airline intends to operate the Gothenburg service using an Airbus A321LR, configured with 160 seats. This aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide 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 three-cabin product for the four-weekly flights connecting the UAE and Sweden during the winter season.
First direct air link from Gothenburg to UAE established
Swedavia, which operates Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the route would commence in December with a schedule of four flights each week. The company stated that this marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson highlighted the enhanced links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region. Gothenburg is recognized as a hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
This schedule offers arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi access to onward flights across Etihad’s network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital for qualified passengers. For travelers originating in western Sweden, the route provides a direct flight to Abu Dhabi, eliminating the need for a European connection. This seasonal service will operate during the announced 2026-2027 winter timetable.
Airbus A321LR to operate the seasonal four-flights-per-week
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the Airbus A321LR when announcing Gothenburg as a new destination. He also pointed out the city’s strong industrial and research sectors. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launch for 2026. The aircraft allows Etihad to offer a three-class configuration—First, Business, and Economy—on the route. The airline plans to operate these flights four days each week from December through the final scheduled flight in March.
The last flight under this seasonal schedule is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter season. Passengers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections via the UAE capital. The airline maintains the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft for this route. The launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation plan remain consistent with the initial announcement made in August 2026.