ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Gothenburg starting on December 17, 2026. The airline will operate this route four times weekly until March 21, 2027. This service will link the UAE’s capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Tickets for the new Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg route are already on sale. Flights will be scheduled between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
This will mark Gothenburg’s inaugural direct air link with the United Arab Emirates, as well as its first nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers from western Sweden can connect via Abu Dhabi to various destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the service offers direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers departing from Gothenburg. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the wider western Sweden region.
The route will be operated by an Airbus A321LR, configured to carry 160 passengers. This aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. Both First and Business class seats convert into fully flat beds and offer direct aisle access. Economy class passengers will enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. The aircraft is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all three cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body model, has recently been added to the airline’s fleet.
New route enhances one-stop international connectivity across Asia
Gothenburg’s schedule will coordinate with numerous onward flights via Abu Dhabi, including destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline plans the Gothenburg arrival in Abu Dhabi during the evening hours, allowing passengers to utilize the airline’s extensive network from its main hub. Eligible travelers connecting in Abu Dhabi can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which provides hotel stays for up to two nights.
In 2026, Etihad Airways considers Gothenburg its 15th new destination launched this year. Situated on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is known for its significant industrial, research, and commercial activity. The city also functions as a gateway to the surrounding region and nearby archipelago. Swedavia, operator of Göteborg Landvetter Airport, has emphasized the importance of travel links between western Sweden and Asian markets. The airport authority also pointed out growing demand driven by business trips and visits to relatives and friends.
Four weekly flights operated by Airbus A321LR to support regional and international travel
Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that the A321LR enables the airline to offer its three-cabin product on the Gothenburg route. He also noted that industry and research are key aspects of the Swedish city. Swedavia’s Chief Executive Mats Johannesson expressed that the new route will strengthen regional connectivity with the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Both executives confirmed that this service was part of the announcement made on August 12.
Scheduled to operate seasonally, the flights will continue four times weekly throughout the winter period, with the last flight scheduled for March 21, 2027. The route creates a direct link between Sweden and the UAE, offering Gothenburg passengers access to Abu Dhabi and other connecting destinations. Conversely, travelers from the UAE will have a nonstop option to western Sweden during this operating season. Following the announcement on August 12, 2026, the schedule, aircraft type, and operational timeframe remain unchanged.
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