New plans could make getting from Zayed International Airport to the UAE’s rail network much easier
Your next trip could involve a flight, a train and far less time spent in traffic.
Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail have signed an agreement at Arabian Travel Market 2026 to look at ways of improving the connection between Zayed International Airport and the Mohamed bin Zayed City train station in Abu Dhabi.
The potential new plans are likely to include dedicated shuttle services to transport passengers arriving at the airport, so they can hop onto the national railway network and continue their journey to other parts of the UAE.
But the plans could go further than simply getting passengers from A to B.
The two companies will also look at integrated air-and-rail booking options, as well as passenger services at stations, with the aim of making the whole journey feel more connected from the moment you leave home to the moment you reach your final destination.
For travellers, that could eventually mean booking a flight and onward rail journey as part of the same trip, rather than figuring out separate transport once you land.
The partnership is also part of a wider push to make Abu Dhabi a gateway for exploring more of the UAE, connecting international visitors with destinations beyond the capital.
Etihad Rail launched its passenger services earlier this year, connecting cities and regions across the UAE, and the network is continuing to expand.
There’s no word yet on exactly what the airport connection will look like or when it could launch, but the plans could make rail a much more convenient option for airport passengers, and give visitors another way to explore the UAE once they touch down.
