Etihad Airways will operate its newly launched Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service year-round, following strong demand just three weeks after bookings opened.
The route was initially announced as a winter service, running from December 17, 2026, to March 21, 2027. However, the airline has now extended it beyond the winter season as a permanent year-round service.
Etihad said demand had come from both ends of the route, with travellers in western Sweden booking flights to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across the Gulf, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Travellers from across Etihad’s global network are also taking advantage of the new connection to visit Sweden’s west coast.
Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, said the airline had underestimated demand for the Gothenburg route.
“Three weeks in, the market has told us we underestimated Gothenburg, and we are glad to be corrected. The strength of demand this early gives us the confidence to make Gothenburg a year-round service before the first flight has even taken off,” De said.

He added: “Western Sweden has been waiting for this connection and the response has come from both ends of the route. Sweden’s biggest gem is being discovered, and we are pleased to be the airline opening Gothenburg to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
For travellers from western Sweden, the year-round service will provide direct access to Abu Dhabi throughout the year, as well as connections to destinations across Etihad’s wider network in Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
The airline said passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi could also take advantage of its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which offers up to two complimentary hotel nights.

The year-round schedule will also allow travellers from Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network to experience Gothenburg during the Swedish summer, with its long daylight hours, cafés, food markets, parks, open water and nearby coastal islands.
Mats Johannesson, CEO of Swedavia Airports, said the decision to make the service year-round demonstrated strong demand for direct connections between western Sweden, Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network.
“When this route was announced last month it was warmly received here, and to see it extended to a year-round schedule within three weeks says a great deal about the appetite in West Sweden for direct connections to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network,” Johannesson said.

“Travellers and companies in the region can already book and plan around this service in any season, and we look forward to welcoming the first flight in December.”
Gothenburg will become the 15th new destination Etihad has launched in 2026, as the airline expands its network across Europe, Asia and Africa.
Etihad said the route also highlights the capabilities of its Airbus A321LR, which allows the airline to offer its three-cabin long-haul experience in new markets while maintaining suitable capacity and operating economics.
The Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will begin on December 17, 2026, with four flights per week operated by an Airbus A321LR.

The aircraft will feature two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats and 144 Economy seats. First and Business Class will offer fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy passengers will have access to 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens.
High-speed Wi-Fi will be available across all cabins.
From Abu Dhabi, passengers will be able to connect to destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru and Colombo.