ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this route four times weekly until March 21, 2027, providing a winter connection between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets for the new route between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg are already on sale. The flights will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This new route will mark Gothenburg’s first direct air service with the United Arab Emirates, and it also establishes the city’s inaugural nonstop route 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, while visitors from Gothenburg will gain direct access to Abu Dhabi. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves the city of Gothenburg and the larger western Sweden region.
Etihad plans to operate the route utilizing an Airbus A321LR, configured to carry 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Passengers in First and Business cabins can enjoy fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy class offers 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout all cabin classes. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, has recently joined Etihad’s fleet to support such routes.
New route enhances single-stop travel options across Asia
Scheduled to arrive in Abu Dhabi in the evening, the Gothenburg service allows passengers to connect seamlessly via Abu Dhabi to numerous Asian destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Travelers can take advantage of Etihad’s extensive network from its hub. Additionally, eligible passengers can utilize the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights, making it easier to extend their visit.
The airline considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launched in 2026. The city, situated on Sweden’s west coast, is known for its industrial, research, and commercial sectors, serving as a key gateway to the surrounding region and the nearby archipelago. Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the growing travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets. They also note increased demand driven by business travelers and visitors visiting family and friends.
The Airbus A321LR will operate four weekly flights to Gothenburg
According to CEO Antonoaldo Neves, the A321LR enables Etihad to provide its three-cabin service on the Gothenburg route. He highlighted the significance of industry and research for the Swedish city. Swedavia’s CEO, Mats Johannesson, stated that the new route will enhance regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Both leaders confirmed the route’s announcement on August 12, describing it as the first direct connection between Gothenburg and the UAE.
The seasonal service will maintain its schedule of four weekly flights throughout its winter operation, concluding on March 21, 2027. It introduces a direct link between Sweden and the UAE, providing Gothenburg passengers with easy access to Abu Dhabi and onward destinations. Conversely, travelers from the UAE will benefit from a nonstop flight option to western Sweden during the operating season. The details regarding schedule, aircraft type, and operating period remain consistent with the initial announcement made on August 12, 2026.