ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will launch a seasonal nonstop route linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. The service is scheduled to operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. During the winter travel period, flights will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport. This new route provides a direct link between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets are currently available through the airline’s booking channels.
Offering the first direct air connection between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates, the Gothenburg route marks a significant milestone. Additionally, Etihad describes it as Gothenburg’s initial nonstop connection with the Middle East and Asia. Passengers will have the option 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. Moreover, the route facilitates direct access to western Sweden for travelers from the UAE.
The airline will operate the route using an Airbus A321LR, which can seat up to 160 passengers. The aircraft’s cabin configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and feature direct aisle access. Economy travelers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the aircraft. The long-range narrow-body allows Etihad to offer three cabin classes on the Gothenburg route.
Enhanced International Connectivity for Gothenburg
The flight schedule provides travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi with access to Etihad’s extensive connecting network. Eligible passengers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers qualifying guests hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For travelers from Gothenburg, the new route eliminates the need to change flights elsewhere in Europe before reaching Abu Dhabi. It also offers a direct seasonal option for those traveling between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has confirmed the four-weekly schedule and December launch. The airport authority describes the service as Gothenburg’s first direct connection to the UAE. Swedavia’s Chief Executive, Mats Johannesson, also noted improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Gothenburg, a key hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast, is served by the airport, which caters to a broader regional market across western Sweden.
A321LR Enables Three-Cabin Service on Sweden’s West Coast
Etihad’s Chief Executive, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasized the aircraft’s three-cabin configuration when announcing the route. He also highlighted Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths as notable features of the destination. The airline lists Gothenburg as its 15th new destination launched in 2026. The seasonal route will operate throughout the declared winter period, four days each week. Its final scheduled operation date remains March 21, 2027, as per the timetable announced with the route launch.
The Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route adds yet another nonstop connection from Etihad’s hub. For Gothenburg, this route establishes direct scheduled access to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Passengers can choose the service for point-to-point trips or for onward connections via the UAE capital. The airline continues to operate the route with the Airbus A321LR, featuring First, Business, and Economy cabins. The initial launch date, frequency, and seasonal schedule are consistent with the details shared in the August 2026 announcement.