ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to launch a seasonal nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this service four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking Zayed International Airport to Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter months. This new route creates a direct connection between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city, with tickets already on sale via the airline’s booking channels.
The Gothenburg route marks the first direct air link between western Sweden and the United Arab Emirates, and Etihad also describes it as Gothenburg’s initial nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers will be able to connect through Abu Dhabi to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Additionally, the route offers travelers from the UAE direct access to western Sweden.
Operated by an Airbus A321LR with a capacity of up to 160 passengers, the flights will feature two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins can be converted into fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy travelers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi will be accessible throughout the aircraft, which, thanks to its long-range narrow-body design, allows Etihad to provide three cabin classes on the Gothenburg route.
Enhanced International Connectivity for Gothenburg
This schedule enables travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to access Etihad’s extensive connecting network, with qualifying passengers able to take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those in the Gothenburg region, the new route minimizes the need for aircraft changes elsewhere in Europe before reaching Abu Dhabi, providing a seasonal direct link between western Sweden and the UAE.
Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, confirmed the four weekly flights and the December start date. The company emphasized that this service represents Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE and highlighted the improved links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. As a key hub for industry, research, and commerce on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg’s airport serves both the city and a broader regional market across western Sweden.
Three-Cabin A321LR Service to Western Sweden
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves underscored the significance of the A321LR’s three-cabin layout when announcing the route, also noting Gothenburg’s industrial and research strengths as key features of the destination. The airline counts Gothenburg as its 15th new route launch in 2026. The seasonal service will operate on four days each week throughout the winter period, with the final scheduled flight set for March 21, 2027, as per the timetable revealed alongside the route announcement.
The Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service adds yet another nonstop link to Etihad’s global network from its main hub. For Gothenburg, it establishes the city’s first direct scheduled access to Abu Dhabi, facilitating both point-to-point travel and onward connections through the UAE. The airline maintains the Airbus A321LR for this route, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins. The announced launch date, weekly frequency, and seasonal operation remain consistent with the initial August 2026 announcement.