A proposed 55-kilometer rail project could soon give travelers a direct transit link between Dubai’s two international airports, according to reports from Arabian Business and MEED.
The scheme centers on what has been described as an “Airport Express Line,” running between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) with five stations along the way. The Roads and Transport Authority has reportedly sought bids from consultants to study and design the route, though the RTA has not confirmed the project publicly.
Six firms have submitted bids to construct the line, among them AtkinsRéalis, the company that served as lead civil works designer on Dubai Metro’s existing Red and Green lines.
Under the current proposal, the route would branch off from the Red Line stations already serving DXB, pass through Al Jaddaf, and follow Al Khail Road to a planned stop at Jumeirah Village Circle before terminating at DWC. Two additional branches are also being considered: one linking the new JVC station to Al Fardan Exchange, and another extending toward a new stop at Business Bay.
Passengers using the line would gain access to airport services before arriving at the terminal, including remote airline check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening.
The Airport Express Line stands apart from the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a separate development targeted for completion in 2032. It is also distinct from the Blue Line, a confirmed 30-kilometer expansion adding 14 stations across two routes. Slated for 2029, the Blue Line will strengthen links between districts such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.
The proposals arrive as Dubai pursues a broader vision for its rail network, with plans calling for 64 stations across 84 square kilometers by 2030, expanding to 140 stations and more than 228 square kilometers by 2040.
That growth parallels an even larger ambition for DWC itself, which Dubai intends to transform into the world’s highest-capacity airport, eventually handling 260 million passengers each year. The handover making DWC the city’s primary aviation hub is set to begin in 2032, with the airport’s complete build-out not expected to finish until roughly 2057.
