The integration of Al Maktoum International Airport with Etihad Rail could allow for airport check-in from city train stations, revolutionizing passenger convenience.
DUBAI: Dubai’s future mega-airport is set to become a central hub on the UAE’s national railway map, with plans to integrate the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) directly with the Etihad Rail network.
According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, this strategic link is a cornerstone of the plan to create a truly seamless travel experience. “We foresee an eventual integrated system where passengers en route to the airport will be able to check their bags in at train stations,” Griffiths explained, highlighting a future where the boundary between rail and air travel becomes blurred.
This development is critical for supporting the new Dh128-billion airport, which is destined to become Dubai’s primary aviation hub. With a staggering future capacity of 260 million passengers annually, Al Maktoum International will eventually absorb all operations from the current Dubai International (DXB), which is fast approaching its limit.
Powering a New Aviation Hub
The direct rail connection is seen as essential infrastructure to manage the immense passenger flow expected at DWC. The Etihad Rail passenger service, scheduled to begin in 2026, is projected to serve 36.5 million people a year by 2030, providing a vital land-based artery to the airport.
The rail network will seamlessly connect the airport to a vast web of locations, including all seven emirates and key international points like the Saudi border and Sohar in Oman.
A Vision for Frictionless Journeys
The airport itself is being designed around the concept of a “frictionless” passenger experience. Griffiths detailed a vision powered by AI and biometrics, where travelers move effortlessly through the terminal without stopping for documents or queues.
The planned Etihad Rail stop is the critical first step in this journey, transforming how passengers interact with the airport from the very beginning of their trip and solidifying Dubai’s position at the forefront of modern transportation.
