ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will introduce a seasonal nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The service is scheduled to operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. Flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport throughout the winter travel period. This new route establishes a direct connection between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets are currently available via the airline’s booking channels.
This addition marks the first direct air link between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Etihad also describes the route as Gothenburg’s inaugural nonstop service with the Middle East and Asia. Travelers can connect through Abu Dhabi to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Notable onward destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Additionally, the route offers UAE travelers direct access to western Sweden.
The airline will operate the Gothenburg flights using an Airbus A321LR, capable of carrying up to 160 passengers. The aircraft’s cabin features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy travelers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, while high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the aircraft. The A321LR’s long-range capability enables Etihad to offer three cabin classes on this route.
Enhanced international connectivity for Gothenburg via direct service
The new schedule provides passengers with seamless access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers from Gothenburg, this route eliminates the need for layovers elsewhere in Europe before reaching Abu Dhabi. It also offers a direct seasonal link for journeys between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the four-weekly schedule and the December launch. The airport authority described this service as Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson highlighted the improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg remains a key hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast, with its airport serving both the city and a broader regional market across western Sweden.
The Airbus A321LR introduces three-class service to Sweden’s west coast
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the significance of the A321LR’s three-cabin layout in announcing the new route. He also pointed to Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths as key features of the destination. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The seasonal service will run throughout the winter schedule on four days each week, with its final operating date set for March 21, 2027, as per the timetable released alongside the route announcement.
This Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route adds another nonstop connection to Etihad’s network from its hub. It also marks Gothenburg’s first direct scheduled access to Abu Dhabi. Passengers can choose the service for point-to-point travel or for onward connections through the UAE capital. The airline continues to operate the Airbus A321LR for this route, with First, Business, and Economy cabins. The launch date, frequency, and seasonal operation details remain consistent with the original August 2026 announcement.