ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways has confirmed the start of seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this service four times weekly until March 21, 2027, providing a winter route between the UAE capital and Sweden’s second-largest city. Tickets for the new route from Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg are now available. The flights will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This route marks Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates and introduces the city’s inaugural nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Western Swedish travelers can connect via Abu Dhabi to destinations across India and Asia, while visitors from Gothenburg gain direct access to Abu Dhabi. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the surrounding western Sweden area.
Operated by an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, the route will feature two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The premium cabins’ seats convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy class offers 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft also provides high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all cabins. The A321LR is part of the airline’s fleet of long-range narrow-body aircraft.
New Route Broadens One-Stop Travel Options Across Asia
Gothenburg’s schedule will connect with several onward destinations via Abu Dhabi, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline plans for the Gothenburg arrival in Abu Dhabi to be in the evening, allowing passengers to access its extensive network from its hub. Those with eligible connections can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays for up to two nights.
Etihad considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launch of 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, the city is a hub for industrial, research, and commercial activities. It also functions as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, which manages Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets, citing demand from business travelers and visitors visiting friends and relatives.
Airbus A321LR to Operate Four Weekly Flights
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, highlighted that the A321LR enables the airline to provide its three-cabin product on the Gothenburg route. He also pointed out that industry connections and research are key aspects of the Swedish city. Mats Johannesson, CEO of Swedavia, noted that the new service will enhance regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, describing it as Gothenburg’s first direct link to the UAE. Both executives confirmed the route during the announcement made on August 12.
The seasonal service will maintain its scheduled four weekly flights throughout the winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This route not only offers a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE but also provides Gothenburg passengers with access to Abu Dhabi and its connecting destinations. Similarly, travelers from the UAE will benefit from a nonstop option to western Sweden during the operational season. Following the announcement on August 12, 2026, the schedule, aircraft type, and service period remain unchanged.