ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to begin seasonal nonstop services connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg from December 17, 2026. The flights will run four times weekly until March 21, 2027. This new route will link the UAE capital with Sweden’s second largest city during the winter travel season. Ticket sales for the Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg route are already open. The flights will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This will mark Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates and establish its initial nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden will be able to transfer via Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the new service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi for those departing from the Gothenburg area. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden region.
Operated with an Airbus A321LR, Etihad’s route will feature a configuration accommodating 160 passengers. The aircraft includes two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class passengers enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft provides high-speed Wi-Fi across all three cabins. The A321LR is part of the airline’s fleet as a long-range narrow-body model.
New route broadens one-stop connections across Asia
Gothenburg’s schedule connects with numerous onward flights through Abu Dhabi, including destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline plans to arrive in Abu Dhabi in the evening, enabling passengers to access the airline’s extensive network from its main hub. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights.
Etihad Airways considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg boasts significant industrial, research, and commercial activity. The city also acts as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, emphasizes the importance of travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets. The airport authority also noted strong demand driven by business travelers and individuals visiting friends and relatives.
Airbus A321LR to operate four weekly flights
CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that the A321LR enables the airline to deliver its three-cabin service on the Gothenburg route. He also underscored industry and research as key aspects of the Swedish city. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson added that this new route will enhance regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. He described it as Gothenburg’s first direct link to the UAE. Both leaders confirmed the route during the announcement made on August 12.
The seasonal schedule will maintain four weekly flights throughout the winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This route creates a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE, offering Gothenburg travelers access to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Meanwhile, passengers from the UAE will gain a nonstop option to western Sweden during the operational season. The details regarding schedule, aircraft type, and operational dates remain as originally announced on August 12, 2026.