ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is scheduled to launch its seasonal nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate four flights per week until March 21, 2027. During the winter season, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This service establishes 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 new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route will connect passengers to Etihad’s broader network through its main hub, enabling onward travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo among its available connections. For those traveling in the opposite direction, the route offers direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Bookings opened with the route announcement in August 2026.
Etihad plans to operate the Gothenburg service with an Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 160 seats. The plane features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and include direct aisle access. Economy class seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all cabins. This configuration expands the airline’s three-cabin product to its four-weekly service between the UAE and Sweden.
Gothenburg secures its first direct connection to the UAE
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the launch in December and the four-flight weekly schedule. The company highlighted that this route marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also emphasized the improved connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the western region surrounding it. Gothenburg is recognized as a hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business along Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule allows travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to access onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Qualified connecting passengers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers originating in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without requiring a European connection. The service will operate seasonally throughout the winter timetable announced for 2026-2027.
Airbus A321LR to serve the four-weekly route
When the airline announced Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the Airbus A321LR, noting Gothenburg’s industrial and research significance. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft allows the carrier to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route. The service is scheduled for four days each week from its December start through the final flight in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal program will be on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period. Travelers can use the flights for journeys between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. Etihad continues to operate the Airbus A321LR for this route. The launch date, four flights weekly, aircraft type, and seasonal schedule remain consistent with the original August 2026 announcement.