ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter months, flights will link Zayed International Airport to Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This marks Gothenburg’s first direct air link to the United Arab Emirates. It also provides western Swedish travelers with a nonstop service to the UAE capital.
The new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route connects passengers to Etihad’s broader network via its main hub. Travelers can continue on to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline includes Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo among its connection options. Those traveling in the opposite direction will access Gothenburg and western Sweden directly and seasonally. The route was announced in August 2026, and bookings are now open.
An Airbus A321LR with 160 seats will operate the Gothenburg service. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft. This setup extends the airline’s three-cabin product to the four weekly flights between the UAE and Sweden.
First Direct UAE Flight to Gothenburg for the City
Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the December launch and four flights per week schedule. The company highlighted that this is Gothenburg’s first direct route to the UAE. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson also pointed out the enhanced links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Sweden’s second-largest city and the surrounding western region. Gothenburg is a hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business on Sweden’s west coast.
The schedule allows arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi to connect to Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program. It offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital for qualifying passengers. For those starting in western Sweden, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi without needing a European flight connection. The service will continue seasonally as per the announced timetable for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Seasonal Gothenburg Route
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the Airbus A321LR when unveiling Gothenburg as a new destination. He also highlighted the city’s industrial and research strengths. The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination in 2026. The aircraft allows the airline to offer First, Business, and Economy cabins on this route. The service is scheduled four days a week from December until March.
The final scheduled flight under this seasonal program is on March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter season. Passengers can use the flights for travel between the two cities or for connections through Abu Dhabi. The airline remains committed to the Airbus A321LR for this route. All details, including the launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal schedule, match the original August 2026 announcement.