Etihad Airways has announced that its new Abu Dhabi–Gothenburg service will operate year-round, expanding the route just weeks after its initial launch announcement.

The service was originally scheduled as a winter route from December 17, 2026, to March 21, 2027, but strong early bookings have prompted the airline to extend operations beyond the season.

Demand has come from both sides of the route, with travellers in western Sweden booking flights to Abu Dhabi, the wider Gulf, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

 At the same time, passengers across Etihad’s global network are showing strong interest in visiting Gothenburg and Sweden’s west coast.

The Abu Dhabi–Gothenburg route will launch on 17 December 2026 with four weekly flights operated by an Airbus A321LR.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “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.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.”

Under the original winter schedule, the route would have ended before the summer season.

Its new year-round status will allow visitors to experience Gothenburg across all seasons.

Mats Johannesson, CEO of Swedavia Airports, said: “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. 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.” -TradeArabia News Service