The new seasonal route takes off at the end of the year
Fancy swapping Abu Dhabi’s sunshine for crisp Scandinavian air, cosy cafés and Christmas markets this winter?
Etihad Airways is making it easier, with a brand-new seasonal route connecting Abu Dhabi directly with Gothenburg, Sweden.
Flights will take off from 17 December 2026, running four times a week until 21 March 2027, giving UAE travellers plenty of opportunity to plan a winter escape, a festive break or a longer Scandinavian adventure.
And Gothenburg isn’t just a convenient gateway to Sweden.
Sweden’s second-largest city is a destination in its own right, with a charming mix of historic streets, buzzing food spots, coastal scenery and easy access to an island-dotted archipelago.
The new service marks Gothenburg’s first direct air connection to the UAE, while also creating a new direct link between the city and Asia via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.
That means the route could be particularly useful if you’re travelling further east, with onward connections available to destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru and Colombo.
In other words, Gothenburg could be the start of the trip rather than the final stop.
Flights will be operated using Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, the newest aircraft in the airline’s fleet.
It features two First Suites, 14 Business seats and 144 Economy seats, with fully flat beds and direct aisle access in First and Business.
Economy passengers get ergonomic seats with 13.3-inch 4K entertainment screens, while Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft.
If you’ve never considered Gothenburg for a winter break, this could be the year to change that.
Set where the Göta River meets the sea, the city combines a laid-back atmosphere with plenty to see and do.
You can wander the wooden streets of Haga, browse seafood markets, explore the city’s cafés and restaurants, or hop on a ferry and head out into the nearby archipelago.
Visiting in December? Even better. Gothenburg goes all-in on the festive season, with Liseberg’s famous Christmas celebrations, twinkling lights, and plenty of seasonal atmosphere.
And if you’re travelling during the warmer months of the route, the city’s coastal location makes it an appealing base for exploring Sweden’s west coast.
There’s also a good reason to consider adding a little extra time in Abu Dhabi before continuing your journey.
Eligible Etihad passengers can take advantage of the airline’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which allows qualifying travellers to add a hotel stay of up to two nights. So instead of simply changing planes, you could turn your connection into a quick UAE getaway.
That means you could start with a morning exploring the capital, spend an afternoon by the beach or head to Yas Island before continuing towards Europe or Asia.
The Gothenburg route is Etihad’s 15th new destination of 2026, adding another option for travellers looking to explore somewhere a little different this winter.
Bookings are now open. For further information, visit etihad.com
