ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will commence a seasonal nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. Operating four times weekly, the flights will continue until March 21, 2027. This new service links Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter travel season. Tickets are currently available through the airline’s booking platforms.
This route marks the first direct air connection between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Etihad describes it as Gothenburg’s inaugural nonstop link to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers can connect via Abu Dhabi to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru and Colombo. The new route also provides direct access to western Sweden for travelers from the UAE.
The 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. The First and Business Class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy travelers enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, while high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft. Thanks to the aircraft’s long-range capability, Etihad can offer three cabin classes on this Gothenburg route.
Enhanced international connectivity for Gothenburg through direct service
The new schedule enables travelers to reach Abu Dhabi with access to Etihad’s extensive connecting network. Eligible passengers may also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers from Gothenburg, this route reduces the need for aircraft changes elsewhere in Europe before arriving in Abu Dhabi, creating a direct seasonal option for those traveling between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the four-weekly schedule and December launch date. The airport authority regards this as Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also pointed out that this route enhances links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg stands as a significant 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 A321LR introduces three-cabin service to Sweden’s west coast
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasized the three-cabin configuration of the Airbus A321LR when announcing the route, highlighting Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths as key factors. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination for 2026. The seasonal service will operate throughout the winter period, four days per week, with the final scheduled flight on March 21, 2027, according to the timetable released with the route announcement.
This Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route adds another nonstop connection to Etihad’s network from its hub. For Gothenburg, it provides direct scheduled access to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Passengers can choose this service for direct journeys or for onward connections through the UAE capital. The airline maintains the Airbus A321LR as the aircraft for this route, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins. The announced launch date, frequency, and seasonal operation remain consistent with the details shared in August 2026.