ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop services connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning on December 17, 2026. These flights will run four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking the UAE capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Ticket reservations for the new route are already open. The service will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This new route marks Gothenburg’s inaugural direct air link to the United Arab Emirates, as well as its first nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden will be able to connect through Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the service facilitates direct access to Abu Dhabi for passengers departing from Gothenburg and its surrounding region. The airport serving Gothenburg, Göteborg Landvetter Airport, caters to the broader western Sweden market and its travel needs.
Operated with an Airbus A321LR configured to carry 160 passengers, Etihad’s aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Passengers in First and Business cabins can enjoy fully flat beds and direct aisle access, while Economy class seats come equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft is also fitted with high-speed Wi-Fi across all three cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, has recently joined Etihad’s fleet to expand its route network.
New route enhances one-stop travel options across Asia
Once in Abu Dhabi, passengers will have access to a variety of onward flights including routes to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The schedule ensures that arrivals in Abu Dhabi occur during the evening, allowing travelers to utilize Etihad’s extensive network from the hub. Those eligible for connecting flights can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights.
Gothenburg ranks as Etihad’s 15th new destination launch in 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, the city is notable for its industrial, research, and commercial activities. It also functions as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the importance of travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets, citing strong demand from business travelers and those visiting family and friends.
Four weekly flights operated by Airbus A321LR to serve the route
Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that the Airbus A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-class product on the Gothenburg route. He also pointed out that industry and research are key aspects of Gothenburg’s appeal. Swedavia’s Chief Executive Mats Johannesson noted that the new service will significantly enhance regional connectivity to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. He also described the route as Gothenburg’s first direct link to the UAE. Both executives made these remarks during the August 12 announcement of the route.
The seasonal service will continue with four weekly flights throughout its scheduled winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This new route not only provides a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE but also allows Gothenburg residents to access Abu Dhabi and other connecting destinations. Travelers from the UAE will benefit from a nonstop flight option to western Sweden during the operational season. Following the announcement on August 12, 2026, the schedule, aircraft type, and operational period remain as initially planned.