ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will introduce Gothenburg’s first direct air connection with the United Arab Emirates, providing a nonstop route to the Middle East and Asia. The service will operate four times per week and will connect the western Swedish city with Abu Dhabi from December 17, 2026, through March 21, 2027. Passengers can already book tickets for these flights. The route will link Zayed International Airport with Göteborg Landvetter Airport, offering new travel options for both regions.
This new connection marks Gothenburg’s first direct flight to the UAE and its initial nonstop service to Asia and the Middle East. Travelers from western Sweden will be able to connect via Abu Dhabi to destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the route provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for those departing from Gothenburg. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves the city of Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden area.
Etihad will operate the Gothenburg route using an Airbus A321LR configured to carry 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. The First and Business seats convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access. Economy passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all three classes. The A321LR is a long-range narrow-body aircraft that recently joined the airline’s fleet.
New route broadens one-stop travel options across Asia
Flights from Gothenburg arriving in Abu Dhabi are scheduled in the evening, facilitating connections to numerous destinations through the airline’s extensive network. These include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. Passengers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights for eligible travelers.
Gothenburg is counted among the airline’s 15 new destinations launched in 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, the city is a hub for industrial, research, and commercial activities. It serves 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, citing increased demand from business travelers and visitors visiting friends and relatives.
Airbus A321LR to operate four flights weekly
According to CEO Antonoaldo Neves, the A321LR enables the airline to deliver its three-class product on the Gothenburg route. He highlighted the city’s significance for industry and research. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson noted that the new service will strengthen regional links 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 a schedule of four weekly flights through the winter period, with the final flight planned for March 21, 2027. It enhances direct connectivity between Sweden and the UAE and provides Gothenburg passengers with access to Abu Dhabi and other connecting destinations. Likewise, travelers from the UAE will benefit from a nonstop option to western Sweden during the operational months. The scheduled aircraft type and operating period remain unchanged since the announcement on August 12, 2026.