ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to begin seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. These flights will run four times weekly until March 21, 2027, linking the UAE capital with Sweden’s second largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the new route are already on sale, with flights operating between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This new route marks Gothenburg’s first direct flight connection to the United Arab Emirates, providing the city its inaugural nonstop route to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden can now connect via Abu Dhabi to numerous destinations across India and Asia. Conversely, travelers departing from Gothenburg will have direct access to Abu Dhabi, facilitating easy transit to wider regions.
Operated by an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, the airline’s aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business class seats, and 144 Economy seats. All First and Business cabins convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in all three cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, recently joined Etihad’s fleet, enabling this new route.
New Pathway Facilitates One-Stop Journeys Across Asia
Connecting Gothenburg to Abu Dhabi opens several onward destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline schedules arrivals in Abu Dhabi during the evening, allowing passengers to access its extensive network from the hub. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides hotel stays of up to two nights.
Gothenburg becomes the 15th new destination launched by Etihad in 2026. Located on Sweden’s west coast, the city is a hub for industry, research, and commerce, serving as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the strong travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets, driven by business, family visits, and leisure travel.
The Airbus A321LR Will Operate Four Weekly Flights
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves noted that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its full three-class product on the Gothenburg route. He also highlighted industry and research as significant aspects of the Swedish city. Swedavia CEO Mats Johannesson stated the new service enhances regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Both leaders confirmed that this route is the first direct link between Gothenburg and the UAE, announced during the August 12 statement.
The seasonal schedule will continue with four weekly flights throughout the winter period, ending on March 21, 2027. The route not only provides a direct connection between Sweden and the UAE but also offers Gothenburg residents access to Abu Dhabi and beyond. During the operating season, travelers from the UAE will have a nonstop option to western Sweden. The schedule, aircraft type, and operational dates announced on August 12, 2026, will remain unchanged.