Eitihad expands Gothenburg flights after strong demand

“Three weeks in, the market has told us we underestimated Gothenburg, and we are glad to be corrected. Western Sweden has been waiting for this connection, and the response has come from both ends of the route. Gothenburg is one of Europe’s most underrated cities, and we are pleased to be the airline opening it to Abu Dhabi and beyond,” said Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, in a press release.

The route has seen strong demand in both directions. Travellers from western Sweden gain access to Abu Dhabi, the wider Gulf region, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In turn, visitors from across Etihad’s global network are discovering western Sweden as a Scandinavian destination.

“Companies in West Sweden conduct business across Asia, and many of our travellers have relatives, friends, and family in the region. A year-round service will strengthen connectivity for the region, particularly to the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. This investment demonstrates strong confidence in the Swedish aviation market and in West Sweden as a region,” said Mats Johannesson, CEO of Swedavia, in a press release.

The new route is the first non-stop connection between Gothenburg and Abu Dhabi. 

It will start operating on 17 December 2026. The carrier will operate flights between Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Abu Dhabi four times per week, with a capacity of 160 seats. 

“Global connectivity is a critical factor in attracting investment, supporting business growth, enabling talent mobility, and strengthening international trade. This new connection not only links West Sweden directly to Abu Dhabi, but also provides seamless access to markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia through Etihad's global network,” says Henrik Einarsson, director of business establishment and investment at Business Region Göteborg. 

The launch aligns with the ambitions of GOT Connect, a regional collaboration working to increase international accessibility to the Gothenburg region through new and expanded air routes.

GOT Connect brings together Swedavia, Visit Sweden, Göteborg & Co, the West Sweden Tourist Board, Business Region Göteborg and the West Sweden Chamber of Commerce. Through coordinated efforts, the partnership works to strengthen domestic and international connectivity to the Gothenburg region.

A direct connection to a major hub in the Middle East has long been a strategic priority for the collaboration. Regional analyses show that such a route significantly improves accessibility by providing faster and more convenient connections to destinations across Asia and other parts of the world.