by Sarah Blackman

Dubai Airports has proposed the development of a central rail terminal with connections to its two international airports through the main tourist and business areas, according to a statement released today.

The airports operator has been pushing for the development as an alternative to the Purple line of the Dubai Metro, which would directly connect the two airports but which Dubai Airports claims does not serve the city's needs.

“Many cities around the world have successfully set up a central rail terminal that connects the city to their multiple airports, allowing passengers to check-in and ride to their respective air terminals,” a Dubai Airports spokesperson told Construction Week.

“We believe such a model will be ideal for Dubai with multiple terminals at its two airports. The plan would have to take into consideration allocation of appropriate space for passenger baggage on the trains.”

Last week, it was reported that the proposal is being considered as part of a comprehensive study into Dubai’s rail requirements which is being conducted by the US group Parsons Brinckerhoff.

“We are looking at the proposal and will decide when the study is complete,” said Dubai Roads & Transport Authority’s (RTA’s) director of strategic planning Nasser Abu Shehab.

The proposed 52km Purple Line would link Dubai International airport and the new Al Maktoum International Airport, which is currently being built at Jebel Ali.