GOTHENBURG— Etihad Airways (EY) will launch a new seasonal service between Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg on December 17, 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
The four-times-weekly route will operate until March 21, 2027, using the Airbus A321LR.
The new service will connect Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) directly with Zayed International Airport (AUH), creating Gothenburg’s first nonstop link with the Middle East.
Through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, passengers will also gain convenient one-stop access to destinations across India and Asia.
Etihad Gothenburg Route Details
The seasonal Gothenburg–Abu Dhabi service will operate four times a week, giving travelers in western Sweden a direct option for business and leisure trips to the UAE.
The route will also support onward connections to major destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru and Colombo.
Etihad is adding Gothenburg as its 15th new destination of 2026, highlighting the airline’s continued network expansion.
The new route also responds to demand from companies in western Sweden that conduct business across Asia, as well as travelers visiting relatives and friends across the region.
For Gothenburg, the connection represents a significant expansion of international connectivity. Swedavia Airports CEO Mats Johannesson said the service would strengthen links to the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia while demonstrating confidence in the Swedish aviation market.
A321LR Premium Cabin Experience
Etihad will operate the route with its Airbus A321LR, the newest aircraft type in its fleet and a key aircraft for expanding long-haul connectivity from smaller European markets. The aircraft features two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats and 144 Economy seats.
The First and Business cabins offer fully flat beds and direct aisle access, while Economy passengers receive ergonomic seating and 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft, giving passengers connectivity across all three cabins.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the A321LR makes a route of this scale possible while allowing the airline to offer its full three-cabin product. He also highlighted Gothenburg’s importance as a center for industry and research and its proximity to Sweden’s western archipelago.
Abu Dhabi Connections Across Asia
The new route will position Abu Dhabi as an important gateway for Gothenburg passengers traveling beyond the UAE. Travelers can use Etihad’s hub to reach major Asian markets while also adding a stop in Abu Dhabi during their journey.
Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover program allows eligible connecting passengers to add a hotel stay of up to two nights. The city offers attractions ranging from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Saadiyat Cultural District to Yas Island and the beaches of the Arabian Gulf.
The seasonal route will also give travelers from Abu Dhabi direct access to Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city.
The destination combines a maritime setting, nearby archipelago, seafood markets, the Haga district and Liseberg’s seasonal attractions, adding a distinctive Scandinavian option to Etihad’s European network.
Gothenburg Travel Guide
A spontaneous trip turned into a memorable city break after the traveler booked ultra-cheap Ryanair (FR) flights to Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT), discovering one of Sweden’s most vibrant destinations with little prior planning.
During a two-day visit, Gothenburg (GOT) impressed with its lively streets, historic neighborhoods, canals, museums, and nearby archipelago. The city proved that even a short itinerary can showcase the best of Sweden’s second-largest city.
Why Gothenburg Is Worth Visiting
Gothenburg surprised the traveler from the moment of arrival. Despite minimal planning, the city quickly stood out for its welcoming atmosphere, compact layout, and youthful energy. Tourist information collected at the airport helped shape the itinerary, but much of the city’s appeal came from simply exploring its streets on foot.
Unlike previous short visits to Stockholm, Gothenburg delivered a stronger first impression. As Sweden’s second-largest city and home to Scandinavia’s largest student population, it offers an energetic mix of cafés, restaurants, parks, shopping districts, and waterfront spaces filled with locals throughout the day.
Walking through the city also revealed a blend of architectural styles, ranging from traditional wooden homes to grand civic buildings and modern developments. This variety gives Gothenburg a distinct identity among Nordic cities.
Top Attractions in Gothenburg
Most of Gothenburg’s major attractions can be explored on foot thanks to its compact city center. The walking route begins at the Central Train Station before passing several of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Highlights include:
- Central Train Station, known for its distinctive wooden interior.
- Nordstan Shopping Centre, where visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and the Göteborg City Card.
- Barken Viking, the largest sailing ship built in Scandinavia.
- Göta Älv Bridge with panoramic city views.
- Gothenburg Opera and the scenic Göta River waterfront.
- Stora Hamnkanalen, one of the city’s most photographed canal views.
- Saluhallen Market Hall and surrounding shopping streets.
- Vallgraven Canal and the historic Fish Market Hall.
- Haga district, famous for its preserved wooden houses and cafés.
- Skansen Kronan fortress overlooking the city.
- Götaplatsen, Gothenburg’s main public square.
The author also notes that attractions such as the Botanical Garden, Liseberg amusement park, and the modern northern waterfront deserve additional time during a longer stay.
Museums and Cultural Experiences
Poor weather on the second day created an opportunity to experience Gothenburg’s museum scene. With approximately 20 museums across the city, visitors have a wide range of cultural options.
The trip included visits to Röda Sten Contemporary Art Centre and the Röhsska Museum, Sweden’s only museum dedicated to design, fashion, and decorative arts. Both offered a different perspective compared with traditional art museums. Other unique options include the Radio Museum, Volvo Museum, and Nostalgicum, which focuses on the 1950s and 1960s.
Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago
One of the strongest recommendations is a half-day trip to the Gothenburg Archipelago.
A short tram and ferry journey transports visitors from the city to peaceful islands known for wooden houses, rocky coastlines, and quiet walking trails.
The car-free environment creates a relaxing contrast to the urban center and represents one of Sweden’s classic coastal landscapes. Even during winter, the islands offered a memorable experience with only a handful of visitors enjoying the scenery.
Practical Travel Tips
Several practical recommendations helped make the short trip successful.
The main airport, Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT), is approximately 30 minutes from the city center by bus, with frequent departures throughout the day.
Tourist information is available inside the terminal, making it easy for first-time visitors to gather maps and local advice.
Accommodation at Scandic No. 25 provided convenient access to both the Central Station and the city center. Spacious rooms, comfortable facilities, and views overlooking the railway station made it a practical base for exploring Gothenburg.
The Göteborg City Card also proved valuable, offering unlimited public transport, ferry access to the archipelago, and complimentary entry to numerous museums during its validity period.
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