Etihad Airways announced a new seasonal flight route linking Abu Dhabi International Airport with Gothenburg Landvetter Airport. The service will commence on December 17, 2026, operating four times a week until March 21, 2027. This marks the first direct air connection between Gothenburg and Asia.
Aircraft and Route Details
The seasonal flights will use Etihad’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, configured with three cabin classes: First Suites, Business Class featuring fully flat beds, and Economy cabins equipped with 4K entertainment screens. High-speed Wi-Fi will be available in all cabins. Through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, passengers can access one-stop connections to Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore,
Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo.
Official Statements on Service Launch
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said, “The A321LR makes such a route possible, bringing the airline’s full three-cabin product on a scale suited to Gothenburg.” He added, “Gothenburg is a city Scandinavia is proud of, a center of industry and research with an archipelago nearby.” Swedavia Airports CEO Mats Johannesson said, “We are very pleased to welcome Etihad in December. This is the first direct connection between Gothenburg and the United Arab Emirates.” Johannesson also noted, “Many companies in West Sweden conduct business across Asia and many travelers have relatives and friends in the
region. The new service will further strengthen the connectivity for our area,” and “It shows strong confidence in the Swedish aviation market and West Sweden as a region.”
Regional and Industry Context
Gothenburg becomes the 15th new destination launched by Etihad Airways in 2026. This route introduces Gothenburg’s first direct air link to Asia, supporting increased connectivity between Scandinavia and key Asian markets via Abu Dhabi. The A321LR aircraft’s range and configuration enable this seasonal service, meeting demand for business and personal travel between West Sweden and Asia. The route reflects Etihad’s strategic expansion and growing aviation demand in the region.
