Dubai has announced plans for a dedicated metro link connecting its 2 international airports, marking a significant expansion of the emirate’s fast-growing metro network.

The RTA has invited consultants to bid for a contract to study and design the proposed Airport Express Line, which will link Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Al Garhoud to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Jebel Ali, according to a MEED report.

The planned line will run approximately 55km and include 5 stations, offering integrated passenger services such as remote airline check-in, baggage drop-off and security screening, aimed at streamlining the travel experience between the two aviation hubs.

Consultants have been given until June to submit proposals for the project.

The Airport Express Line is expected to originate from the Red Line station at DXB, passing through Al Jaddaf and running along Al Khail Road to a new station at Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), before continuing onwards to DWC.

Two other lines are also planned – one will connect the JVC station to the Al-Fardan Exchange Metro Station at Emirates Golf Club, while the second will branch towards Business Bay, where an additional station will be developed.

The alignment is understood to broadly mirror the route of the Etihad Rail high-speed railway project, currently under construction and targeted for completion by 2030.