ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to initiate seasonal nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate these flights four times weekly until March 21, 2027. This route will connect the UAE’s capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Ticket sales for the new service are already open. Flights will run between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This new route will mark Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates, providing its first nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden will be able to connect via Abu Dhabi to destinations throughout India and Asia. For those in the Gothenburg area, the service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves the city and the broader western Sweden region.
Operated by an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, Etihad Airways’ new route will feature two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy class passengers can enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, has recently joined the airline’s fleet.
New Route Broadens One-Stop Travel Options to Asia
Flights from Gothenburg will connect with various onward routes via Abu Dhabi, including destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline schedules arrivals in Abu Dhabi during the evening, enabling passengers to access its extensive network from its hub. Eligible travelers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights.
Gothenburg represents the airline’s 15th new destination launched in 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, the city is known for its industrial, research, and commercial sectors. It also acts as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, the operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the importance of travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets, noting demand driven by business travelers and visitors visiting friends and relatives.
Airbus A321LR to Provide Four Weekly Flights
CEO Antonoaldo Neves mentioned that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-cabin service on the Gothenburg route. He also highlighted industry and research as key aspects of the Swedish city. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson stated that the new route 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 as part of the announcement made on August 12.
The seasonal flights are scheduled to operate four times weekly during the entire winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. The route establishes a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE, providing Gothenburg passengers with access to Abu Dhabi and onward destinations. Conversely, travelers from the UAE will gain a nonstop option to western Sweden during the service’s operation period. The schedule, aircraft type, and operating dates are consistent with the details announced on August 12, 2026.