ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways has scheduled the launch of seasonal nonstop flights linking Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. The service will operate four times weekly until March 21, 2027. This route aims to connect the UAE’s capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the new flights from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg are now available. The flights will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This route will mark Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates, as well as its first nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden can transit through Abu Dhabi to reach destinations across India and other parts of Asia. Additionally, the new service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi for passengers departing from Gothenburg. The airport serving Gothenburg, Göteborg Landvetter Airport, caters to Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden region.
Operated by an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, Etihad Airways will service the route. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access, while Economy class includes 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi in all three cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, has recently joined the airline’s fleet.
New Route Enhances One-Stop Asia Travel Options
Gothenburg’s schedule will connect with numerous onward routes through Abu Dhabi, including destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Arrival in Abu Dhabi is scheduled during the evening, allowing travelers to utilize Etihad’s extensive network from its hub. Additionally, eligible passengers can take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights.
The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg boasts significant industrial, research, and commercial activity. It also serves as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has highlighted strong travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets. The demand for business travel and visits to relatives and friends has also been emphasized by the airport operator.
Four Weekly Flights with Airbus A321LR
Antonoaldo Neves, the airline’s CEO, stated that the Airbus A321LR enables Etihad to offer its three-cabin product on the Gothenburg route. He also highlighted industry and research as key aspects of the Swedish city. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, noted that the new service will strengthen regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, and described it as Gothenburg’s first direct link to the UAE. Both leaders confirmed the route as part of their announcement on August 12.
The seasonal route will maintain four flights per week throughout the winter schedule, concluding on March 21, 2027. It provides a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE, facilitating access to Abu Dhabi and onward destinations for Gothenburg passengers. Conversely, travelers from the UAE will have a nonstop option to western Sweden during the service period. The schedule, aircraft type, and operational dates remain exactly as announced on August 12, 2026.