The integration promises to create a ‘frictionless’ travel experience, allowing passengers to check in their luggage directly from train stations ahead of their flights.
DUBAI: In a significant development for the UAE’s transportation landscape, the Etihad Rail network is planned to include a direct stop at the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), creating a seamless air-rail link for millions of future passengers.
The announcement was made by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, who revealed the potential for an integrated system where travelers could check their bags at train stations before even arriving at the airport terminal.
“The planned Etihad Rail network for the UAE is expected to include a stop at DWC,” Griffiths stated in an interview with Flight Global, envisioning a future where the journey is streamlined from the outset.
This integration is a key part of Dubai’s massive aviation and infrastructure expansion. The new Dh128-billion terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will eventually absorb all operations from the current Dubai International (DXB), is designed to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.
A Network Connecting the Nation and Beyond
The rail connection will be a critical artery for this new global hub. Set to launch its passenger service in 2026, Etihad Rail is anticipated to serve 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.
The network will connect 11 key cities across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, as well as international links to Ghuweifat (on the Saudi border) and Sohar in Oman via the Hafeet Rail project.
A separate high-speed electrified line will further transform connectivity, promising to whisk commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes at speeds of up to 350 km/h.
The Future is “Frictionless”
Griffiths elaborated on the vision for DWC, describing an airport designed for ultimate efficiency. The goal is to create a “frictionless” experience where biometric technology allows passengers to move through the airport without stopping.
“AI means we can schedule aircraft on a flexible basis, and schedule connections so that connecting passengers are closest to the aircraft they are connecting to,” he added.
The direct Etihad Rail link to Al Maktoum International Airport is set to be the cornerstone of this next-generation travel ecosystem, positioning Dubai as a leader in integrated smart transportation.
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