ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways plans to introduce a seasonal nonstop connection between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this route four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter travel season, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This new service creates a direct connection between the UAE’s capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets are already accessible through the airline’s booking channels.
The Gothenburg route marks the first direct air link between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Etihad also emphasizes that this is Gothenburg’s initial nonstop connection with the Middle East and Asia. Passengers can connect via Abu Dhabi to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Notable onward options include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The route also offers travelers from the UAE a straightforward option to reach western Sweden directly.
Flights will be operated using an Airbus A321LR, which accommodates up to 160 passengers. The aircraft’s cabin features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and have direct aisle access. Economy travelers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, while high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the plane. Thanks to its long-range capabilities, the A321LR allows Etihad to offer a three-class cabin configuration on the Gothenburg route.
Enhanced international connectivity with direct service to Gothenburg
This schedule provides passengers with convenient access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive connecting network. Travelers eligible for the Abu Dhabi Stopover program can benefit from hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those traveling from Gothenburg, the new route eliminates the need for connecting flights elsewhere in Europe before reaching Abu Dhabi. It also offers a direct seasonal option for journeys between western Sweden and the UAE, simplifying travel plans.
Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s four-weekly schedule and December start. The airport authority described this as Gothenburg’s first direct link with the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson highlighted the improved connections with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg is an important hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast. Its airport serves both the city and a broader regional market across western Sweden.
The A321LR introduces three-cabin service to Sweden’s west coast
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves pointed out the three-cabin layout of the A321LR when announcing the route, emphasizing Gothenburg’s industrial and research significance as key aspects of the destination. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launching in 2026. The seasonal route will operate throughout the winter period, with four flights per week. The final scheduled operation date remains March 21, 2027, consistent with the timetable announced at the route’s launch.
This Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service introduces another nonstop connection to Etihad’s network from its hub. It also establishes Gothenburg’s first direct scheduled service to Abu Dhabi. Passengers can utilize the service for point-to-point flights or for onward connections through the UAE. The airline continues to specify the Airbus A321LR for this route, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins. The original launch date, weekly frequency, and seasonal operation period are all unchanged from the announcement made in August 2026.