ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways plans to commence a seasonal nonstop route linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this service four times weekly until March 21, 2027. Flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter travel period. This new route creates a direct connection between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second largest city. Tickets are already on sale through the airline’s booking channels.
The Gothenburg route marks the first direct air link between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Etihad characterizes it as Gothenburg’s first nonstop connection with the Middle East and Asia. Passengers can transfer through Abu Dhabi to reach cities across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline’s listed onward destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Additionally, this route offers travelers in the UAE direct access to western Sweden.
The airline will operate the flights with an Airbus A321LR, capable of carrying up to 160 passengers. Inside the cabin, there are two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy passengers can enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft. The long-range narrow-body jet enables Etihad to feature three cabin classes on the Gothenburg route.
Enhanced international connectivity for Gothenburg through direct service
This schedule offers travelers access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive connecting network. Eligible passengers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program. It provides qualifying guests with hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers from the Gothenburg region, the new route eliminates the need for aircraft changes elsewhere in Europe before reaching Abu Dhabi. It also provides a seasonal direct option between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, which operates Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the four-weekly flight schedule and its December launch. The airport authority described the new service as Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also mentioned improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg is a key hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast. Its airport serves not only the city but also a broader regional market across western Sweden.
The Airbus A321LR enables three-cabin service on Sweden’s west coast for the first time
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the A321LR’s three-cabin setup when announcing the new route. He also highlighted Gothenburg’s industrial and research sectors as notable features of the destination. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launched in 2026. The seasonal service will operate during the winter months on four days each week. Its final scheduled date is March 21, 2027, consistent with the timetable announced with the route.
This Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route adds a new nonstop link to Etihad’s network from its hub. For Gothenburg, it establishes direct scheduled access to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Passengers can choose the service for direct point-to-point travel or for onward connections via the UAE capital. The airline continues to operate the Airbus A321LR on this route, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins. The planned launch date, frequency, and seasonal operation details remain exactly as announced in August 2026.