ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to begin seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate the route four times weekly until March 21, 2027. This new service links the UAE capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg route are now available. The flights will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This will mark Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates. It also introduces the city’s initial nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers from western Sweden can transfer through Abu Dhabi to destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the new flight provides direct access to Abu Dhabi from Gothenburg. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves both Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden region.
Etihad Airways will operate this route using an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business classes have seats that convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy class seats include 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and the aircraft offers high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all cabins. The A321LR is part of the airline’s fleet as a long-range, narrow-body aircraft.
New route enhances one-stop travel options across Asia
Gothenburg’s schedule will connect with numerous onward routes through Abu Dhabi. Notable destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline plans to schedule Gothenburg’s arrival in Abu Dhabi during the evening, allowing passengers to connect to its extensive network. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides hotel stays of up to two nights.
This route marks the 15th new destination launched by Etihad in 2026. Gothenburg, situated on Sweden’s west coast, is known for its significant industrial, research, and commercial sectors. The city also serves as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the importance of travel connections between western Sweden and Asian markets. The company also noted strong demand from business travelers and visitors visiting family and friends.
Airbus A321LR to operate four weekly rotations
CEO Antonoaldo Neves explained that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-class product on the Gothenburg route. He also highlighted industry and research as key aspects of the Swedish city. Swedavia’s CEO Mats Johannesson remarked that the new service will boost regional links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, calling it the first direct connection between Gothenburg and the UAE. Both executives confirmed the route as part of their announcement on August 12.
The seasonal service will continue with four weekly flights through its scheduled winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This new connection not only offers a direct link between Sweden and the UAE but also provides Gothenburg passengers with access to Abu Dhabi and its connected destinations. From the UAE, travelers will have a nonstop flight option to western Sweden during the operational season. The schedule, aircraft type, and operating dates remain unchanged following the announcement on August 12, 2026.