ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways plans to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting December 17, 2026. The service is scheduled to run four times weekly until March 21, 2027. This new route will link the UAE capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg flights are already accessible. The flights will operate between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This new route marks Gothenburg’s first direct flight connection with the United Arab Emirates. It also introduces the city’s first nonstop route to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden will be able to connect via Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the service provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers departing from the Gothenburg region. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the broader western Sweden market.
Etihad Airways will operate the Gothenburg route using an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class includes 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft provides high-speed Wi-Fi across all three cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, was recently added to the airline’s fleet.
New Route Boosts One-Stop Travel Opportunities Across Asia
The Gothenburg service will connect with numerous onward flights via Abu Dhabi, including destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline schedules the Gothenburg arrival in Abu Dhabi to be in the evening, allowing passengers to utilize the extensive network from its hub. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers hotel stays of up to two nights.
Gothenburg is counted among the 15 new destinations launched by Etihad in 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is a hub for industrial, research, and commercial activities. 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, citing demand driven by business trips and visits to relatives and friends.
Four Weekly Flights Using Airbus A321LR Will Serve the Route
CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-cabin service on the Gothenburg route. He also pointed out industry and research activities as key aspects of Gothenburg’s appeal. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson noted that the new service will enhance regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. He described this route as Gothenburg’s first direct connection with the UAE. Both executives confirmed the route during the announcement made on August 12.
The seasonal flights are scheduled to operate four times weekly throughout the winter period, concluding on March 21, 2027. This new connection provides direct links between Sweden and the UAE, while offering Gothenburg passengers access to Abu Dhabi and onward destinations. UAE travelers will also have a nonstop option to western Sweden during the season. The published schedule, aircraft type, and operational period remain unchanged following the announcement on August 12, 2026.