ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is scheduled to commence seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. These flights will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter months. This marks the first direct air route between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, offering western Swedish travelers a nonstop option to the UAE capital.
The new service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg will connect passengers to Etihad’s broader network via its main hub. From there, travelers can reach destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline lists Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo among the available connecting points. Passengers heading in the opposite direction will benefit from direct seasonal flights to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced when the airline announced this route in August 2026.
For the Gothenburg route, Etihad plans to operate an Airbus A321LR equipped with 160 seats. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins include fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy seats come with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available across all classes. This configuration expands the airline’s three-cabin offering to its four-weekly service connecting the UAE and Sweden during the winter season.
Gothenburg receives its first direct UAE flight connection
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the route’s launch in December along with the four-flights-per-week schedule. The organization stated that this marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct link to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted the improved connections with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport plays a vital role in the country’s industry, research, commerce, and international business sectors along Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule allows travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to connect onward through Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible passengers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those starting their journey in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without requiring European flight connections. The service will operate seasonally during the winter period, as outlined in the announced timetable for 2026-2027.
Etihad’s Airbus A321LR to operate the seasonal Gothenburg service
When the airline announced Gothenburg as a new destination, Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasized the role of the Airbus A321LR, citing Gothenburg’s industrial and research significance. The airline considers this the 15th new destination launched in 2026. The aircraft enables Etihad to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on the route. Scheduled for four departures each week from its December debut until the final flight in March, the service maintains its seasonal nature.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal plan will be on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg throughout the winter period. Travelers can use these flights for travel between the two cities or for connections via the UAE capital. Etihad confirms it will utilize the Airbus A321LR for this service, with the same launch date, four-weekly schedule, aircraft type, and seasonal operation detailed in the original August 2026 announcement.