ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to operate seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter season, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks the first direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Swedish travelers with a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers to Etihad’s broader network through its hub in Abu Dhabi, the new Gothenburg route enables onward travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Etihad’s list of available connections includes Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Conversely, travelers heading in the opposite direction will have direct seasonal access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline announced the route in August 2026.
On this route, Etihad intends to operate an Airbus A321LR featuring 160 seats. The aircraft’s interior comprises two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class features 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, along with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout all cabins. This configuration extends the airline’s three-cabin product to the four-weekly service between the UAE and Sweden.
First-ever direct flight link between Gothenburg and the UAE
Swedavia, the operator responsible for Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December and its schedule of four flights per week. The company emphasized that this will be Gothenburg’s inaugural direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also highlighted the improved connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport, serving Sweden’s second-largest city, is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule offers arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi the opportunity to connect to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also utilize the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides qualifying guests with hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those beginning their journey in western Sweden, the route delivers direct access to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European connection. The operation will remain seasonal during the winter timetable for 2026-2027, as announced.
Airbus A321LR scheduled for four weekly flights on Gothenburg route
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, pointed out the Airbus A321LR when the airline revealed Gothenburg as a new destination, citing the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. Scheduled to operate four days each week from December through March, the service concludes with its last flight on March 21, 2027. Until then, passengers will enjoy direct scheduled flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter period, whether for travel between the two cities or for connections via the UAE capital. The airline continues to list the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft type for this service, with all other details—including launch date, frequency, and seasonal operation—remaining consistent with the August 2026 announcement.