Six international consulting groups have submitted proposals for a Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) contract to study and design a proposed Airport Express Line linking Dubai International Airport (DXB) with Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

The proposed rail link would extend for about 55 km and include five stations. The stations are expected to provide airport-related services, including remote airline check-in, baggage drop-off and security screening.

The bidders are Aecom/Surbana Jurong, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, Parsons/Arup, Systra/Egis and WSP, said reports.

The proposed route would connect with the Dubai Metro Red Line at DXB before running through Al Jaddaf and along Al Khail Road towards Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). From there, the line would continue to DWC in Dubai South.

Two spur lines are also planned. One would connect the proposed JVC station with Al Fardan Exchange Metro station near Emirates Golf Club, while the other would branch towards Business Bay, where a station is planned, said a MEED report.

The six bidding groups have previously been involved in major infrastructure projects in the UAE, including Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro and Expo 2020.

The proposed Airport Express Line is among several rail projects being advanced by the RTA as part of the expansion of Dubai's public transport network. The authority has also issued a request for qualifications for the construction of a new Gold Line as part of the Dubai Metro expansion.

The Airport Express project comes as Dubai develops plans to expand the role of DWC in the emirate's aviation network. Dubai has said passenger operations will progressively shift from DXB to DWC, with the first phase of the expansion expected to be completed in 2032.

DWC is planned as a major future aviation hub, with the eventual development designed to accommodate up to 260 million passengers a year.

The proposed Airport Express Line would provide a direct rail connection between Dubai's existing main international airport and the planned future aviation hub.