Etihad makes Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg flights year-round beyond the winter season
New service will connect passengers onwards to Asia and the Indian subcontinent
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has upgraded its newly announced Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service to a year-round route following what it described as exceptional demand.
The airline had initially planned to operate the connection as a winter seasonal service from December 17, 2026, to March 21, 2027. However, bookings have been strong from both ends of the route since sales opened three weeks ago, prompting Etihad to extend the service beyond the winter season.
The decision gives travellers in western Sweden direct access to Abu Dhabi throughout the year, while passengers from the UAE and Etihad's wider network will be able to reach Sweden's west coast in every season.
Strong demand
Demand has come from travellers in both markets. Passengers from western Sweden are booking journeys to Abu Dhabi, the wider Gulf region and destinations across Asia and the Indian subcontinent. At the same time, travellers across Etihad's global network are taking up the new connection to explore Gothenburg and the surrounding region.
Arik De, Etihad Airways' Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the airline had underestimated the level of interest in Gothenburg, with early bookings giving it confidence to make the route permanent before its first flight operates.
The new service will also provide passengers from western Sweden with year-round access to Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub and onward connections across its network. Travellers can also use the airline's Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which offers up to two complimentary hotel nights for eligible connecting passengers.
For visitors heading to Gothenburg, the extended schedule means the route will remain operational through the Swedish summer. The city is known for its long summer evenings, cafés, food markets, parks and access to the surrounding coastline and islands.
New destination
Gothenburg becomes the 15th new destination launched by Etihad in 2026, adding to the airline's expansion across Europe, Asia and Africa.
The route also highlights the role of the Airbus A321LR in enabling Etihad to introduce long-haul services to new markets with a smaller aircraft. The airline will deploy the aircraft on the Gothenburg route with a three-cabin configuration comprising First, Business and Economy.
Mats Johannesson, CEO of Swedavia Airports, said the route had received a warm response when first announced and that its extension to a year-round schedule within three weeks reflected demand for direct connections between western Sweden, Abu Dhabi and Etihad's wider network.
Four weekly flights
Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg flights will begin on December 17, 2026, with four services a week. The Airbus A321LR will feature two First Suites, 14 Business seats and 144 Economy seats.
First and Business Class passengers will have fully flat beds and direct aisle access, while Economy features 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens. High-speed Wi-Fi will be available across all three cabins.
From Abu Dhabi, passengers can connect onwards to destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru and Colombo.
Bookings for the year-round service are open through Etihad Airways.