Plans for a Dubai Metro airport line could transform how passengers travel between Dubai’s two major airports. The proposed 55-kilometre Airport Express Line would connect Dubai International Airport (DXB) with Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). However, the project has not yet been officially confirmed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Proposed Dubai Metro Airport Line
According to reports by Arabian Business and MEED, the RTA has invited consultants to bid for a contract to study and design the proposed Airport Express Line.
The planned route would cover around 55 kilometres. It is expected to include five Dubai Metro stations. The line could offer passengers a faster and smoother way to travel between DXB and DWC.
The project is still at the planning and design stage. Therefore, details such as the final route, construction timeline and opening date could change.
What Will the New Line Offer?
One of the key features of the proposed airport metro service is its focus on passenger convenience.
Travellers could have access to remote airline check-in facilities. They may also be able to drop off their luggage and complete security screening before reaching the airport.
These services could make airport journeys easier. They may also reduce the time passengers need to spend completing airport procedures after arriving at the terminal.
Route Could Pass Through JVC
The proposed route could connect with existing Dubai Metro Red Line stations at DXB. From there, it would reportedly travel through Al Jaddaf and along Al Khail Road.
The line could then reach a new station in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) before continuing towards Al Maktoum International Airport.
Two secondary routes are also reportedly included in the wider project plans. One could connect the new JVC station with Al Fardan Exchange. Another could head towards a new station in Business Bay.
If completed, these connections could improve public transport access across several important areas of Dubai.
Airport Express Line and Gold Line
The proposed Airport Express Line appears to be separate from the planned Dubai Metro Gold Line.
The Gold Line is expected to be completed by 2032. Meanwhile, Dubai is also expanding its wider metro network to support the city’s future transport needs.
The Dubai Metro network is planned to reach 64 stations across 84 square kilometres by 2030. By 2040, the network is expected to grow to 140 stations covering more than 228 square kilometres.
Dubai Metro Blue Line Expansion
Another major project is the Dubai Metro Blue Line. The confirmed project will include 14 new stations across two routes covering 30 kilometres.
The Blue Line is scheduled for completion in 2029. It is expected to improve connections between areas including Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City.
Together, these projects are expected to play an important role in Dubai’s long-term public transport expansion.
DWC Set for Major Expansion
The proposed Dubai Metro airport line also comes as Dubai prepares for the long-term expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport.
Dubai plans to transform DWC into the world’s largest airport by capacity. The airport is eventually expected to handle up to 260 million passengers each year.
The transition from DXB to DWC as Dubai’s main airport is planned to begin in 2032. However, the full expansion of DWC is expected to take several decades and may not be completed until around 2057.
For now, the Airport Express Line remains a proposed project. If approved and developed as planned, it could become an important link between Dubai’s two international airports and reshape future airport travel across the emirate.
