Etihad Rail and Etihad Airways Partner to Connect Abu Dhabi Station Directly to Zayed International Airport

Plans are currently underway to establish a direct connection between the Mohamed bin Zayed City train station in Abu Dhabi and Zayed International Airport. Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail recently announced a new agreement aimed at studying opportunities to improve connectivity between the airport and the train station.

The agreement was unveiled on Tuesday at the Arabian Travel Market conference in Dubai, as reported by the state news agency Wam. Dedicated shuttle services will be implemented to enable smoother transfers between the airport and the national railway network, ultimately enhancing travel integration, according to Wam.

As part of this agreement, Etihad Rail and Etihad Airways will explore a range of initiatives designed to simplify travel and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway to exploring the wider UAE.

“Through this partnership with Etihad Rail, we will explore new opportunities to link air travel with destinations across the UAE, supporting tourism growth, creating greater convenience for travellers and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic development,” stated Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer at Etihad Airways.

The agreement between the airline and the rail company will also include the exploration of integrated air and rail booking experiences and station-based passenger services, aiming to create a more seamless end-to-end travel experience from the point of departure to the final destination.

“The country continues to develop an integrated national transport system that keeps pace with its comprehensive development journey and supports its future ambitions, recognising that the future of transport lies in the integration of different modes of mobility,” said Azza AlSuwaidi, chief operating officer with Etihad Rail.

“Since the launch of passenger rail services earlier this year, Etihad Rail has continued to strengthen the role of the national railway network in connecting cities and regions across the UAE, while providing a smoother mobility experience for residents and visitors. Our partnership with Etihad Airways represents a further step towards strengthening integration between rail and aviation, supporting the growth of the tourism sector, economic diversification and sustainable development across the UAE.”