ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will launch a seasonal nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The service is scheduled to operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter season, flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This new route creates a direct connection between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets are already accessible via the airline’s booking channels.
The Gothenburg route marks the first direct air link between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. According to Etihad, it also signifies Gothenburg’s inaugural nonstop connection with the Middle East and Asia. Passengers will be able to connect through Abu Dhabi to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The list of onward destinations includes Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Additionally, the route offers UAE travelers direct access to western Sweden.
Flights will be operated using an Airbus A321LR, capable of carrying 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 class passengers can enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout, allowing for seamless connectivity. The long-range narrow-body aircraft enables the airline to provide three cabin classes on this Gothenburg route.
Enhanced international connectivity for Gothenburg through direct service
This schedule allows travelers to arrive in Abu Dhabi with access to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible passengers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. The new route significantly reduces the need for Gothenburg-area travelers to transfer aircraft elsewhere in Europe before reaching Abu Dhabi. It also provides a direct seasonal option for those traveling between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed that the route will operate four times a week with its December launch. The airport authority described this service as Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, also highlighted the improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg, a key hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast, benefits from this new connection. The airport serves not only the city but a broader regional market across western Sweden.
Three-class Airbus A321LR introduces new amenities to Sweden’s west coast
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasized the significance of the A321LR’s three-cabin configuration when announcing the new route. He also noted Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths as key features of the destination. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launched in 2026. The seasonal service will operate during the winter period, four days each week. The final scheduled operation remains set for March 21, 2027, as per the timetable announced with the route.
Adding Gothenburg to its network, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi route provides a new nonstop link from its hub. For Gothenburg, this is the first scheduled direct route to Abu Dhabi. Passengers can choose the service for direct point-to-point journeys or for onward connections via the UAE capital. The airline continues to operate the Airbus A321LR on this route, featuring First, Business, and Economy cabins. The announced launch date, weekly frequency, and seasonal operation remain consistent with the details shared in the August 2026 announcement.