ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to introduce seasonal nonstop flights linking Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. Operating four times per week until March 21, 2027, this route will connect Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport during the winter season. This marks the inaugural direct air link between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates, providing western Swedish travelers with a nonstop option to reach the UAE capital.
Connecting passengers to Etihad’s broader network via its hub in Abu Dhabi, the new Gothenburg service enables onward travel to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The airline’s listed connections include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Conversely, travelers heading in the opposite direction will have seasonal direct access to Gothenburg and western Sweden. Ticket sales commenced following the route announcement in August 2026.
An Airbus A321LR with 160 seats is scheduled to serve the Gothenburg route. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access, while Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft also provides high-speed Wi-Fi across all cabins. This configuration brings the airline’s three-cabin product to the four-weekly service connecting the UAE and Sweden.
Swedavia Confirms Gothenburg’s First Direct UAE Flight
Swedavia, managing Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has confirmed the December launch and four-flights-per-week schedule. The company stated that this route signifies Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Swedavia’s Chief Executive, Mats Johannesson, emphasized the enhanced links with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Serving Sweden’s second-largest city and surrounding western region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is a key hub for industry, research, commerce, and international business along Sweden’s west coast.
Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi will have access to onward flights across Etihad’s extensive network. Eligible travelers can also participate in the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights in the UAE capital. For those beginning their journey in western Sweden, the route offers a direct connection to Abu Dhabi without the need for a European flight. The service will remain seasonal during the winter timetable announced for 2026-2027.
Airbus A321LR to Operate the Seasonal Service
The airline’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted the Airbus A321LR when Gothenburg was announced as a new destination. He also pointed out the city’s industrial and research strengths. Etihad considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination for 2026. The aircraft’s capability to serve First, Business, and Economy cabins allows for a comprehensive passenger experience on the route. The airline has scheduled the service four times weekly from its December launch until the final flight in March.
The last scheduled flight under this seasonal program is set for March 21, 2027. Until then, the route will provide direct scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg during the winter period. These flights can be used for travel between the two cities or for connections through the UAE capital. The Airbus A321LR remains listed for this service, with the initial launch date, four-weekly frequency, aircraft type, and seasonal operation plan remaining exactly as announced in August 2026.