Sachin Walls
Airport rail links have been a popular solution in Europe and Japan for decades, and now, more recently, in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. For example, the Narita Express provides a rail link between Narita International Airport and Tokyo, and the Union Pearson Express connects Toronto Pearson International Airport and Toronto. In mid-2026, NEOM's new international airport will be connected to a high-speed rail network, allowing passengers to travel to any part of NEOM. Los Angeles is also working on connecting its Metro rail to LAX, which is one of the world's busiest airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | The Line |
| Airport Type | International Airport |
| Location | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Airport Features | High-speed rail network, metro system, horizontal transport corridors, immigration, baggage handling, biometric scanners |
| Construction Status | Under Construction |
| Expected Completion | Mid-2026 |
| Capacity | One million people by 2030 and nearly nine million by 2045 |
| Comparison | Comparable to other airport rail links like Berlin, Boston, Cleveland, Bangkok, Tokyo, Toronto, Rome, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Airport rail links are popular in Europe and Japan, and are now being constructed in North and South America, Africa, and Asia
- The new international airport will be integrated into The Line, with a high-speed train connecting it to the Gulf of Aqaba
- The airport will be a large gateway to Saudi Arabia, with a focus on creating a pleasant customer experience
- The airport will be accessible via a metro system, with horizontal transport corridors at four different heights
- The airport will be built on a forested area, which has raised concerns from environmentalists
Airport rail links are popular in Europe and Japan, and are now being constructed in North and South America, Africa, and Asia
Airport rail links have been a popular solution in Europe and Japan for decades. The Tokyo Monorail, which opened in 1964, was Japan's first airport rail link. It connected Haneda Airport to the city. In Europe, the first rapid transit station to connect with an airport was Berlin's U-Bahn U6 Paradestraße station, which opened in 1927 and provided direct access to Berlin Tempelhof Airport. Other early examples of rapid transit stations connecting with airports include Boston's MBTA Blue Line Airport station and Cleveland's RTA Rapid Transit Red Line Cleveland Hopkins International Airport station.
Recently, airport rail links have been constructed in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Some examples of airport rail links currently under construction include the following:
- Milan Bergamo Airport via Trenord
- Naples International Airport via Line 1
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport via CDG Express and M17
- São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport via GRU Airport People Mover
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport via China Railway
- Western Sydney Airport via Western Sydney Airport line
- Hefei Xinqiao International Airport via Hefei Metro Line S1
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport via Istanbul Metro M10
In addition to the above, there are plans for a high-speed train that will connect an international airport to the Gulf of Aqaba in NEOM. This train will have four stops and will be integrated with a metro system for local travel. The plan is to have one million people living in NEOM by 2030 and nearly nine million by 2045.
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The new international airport will be integrated into The Line, with a high-speed train connecting it to the Gulf of Aqaba
The Line is set to revolutionise urban living with its unique design and efficient transportation system. A key component of this transformation is the integration of a new international airport, which will serve as a gateway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This airport will be seamlessly connected to The Line's high-speed rail network, known as The Spine, allowing for quick and convenient travel to and from the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Spine will provide a fast and efficient mode of transportation for travellers arriving at the new international airport. With just four stops, passengers will be able to reach the Gulf of Aqaba on the coast, experiencing a smooth and seamless journey. This high-speed rail network is designed to offer a superior travel experience, eliminating the need for tedious immigration processes and baggage handling. The airport's design aims to enhance the customer experience, utilising artificial intelligence and holistic approaches to create a pleasant first impression of The Line.
The integration of the airport into The Line showcases a forward-thinking approach to city planning. By mid-2026, travellers will be able to fly into the new airport and conveniently access any part of NEOM via the high-speed train. This innovative transportation system will not only enhance the travel experience but also contribute to the sustainability goals of the project. The Line aims to address the high carbon emissions associated with traditional real estate development, offering a more environmentally friendly way of living.
The Spine's high-speed rail network will complement the other efficient transportation options available on The Line. These include a metro system for local travel between modules and horizontal transport corridors at different heights, which may be in the form of pods, light rail, or horizontal elevators. The integration of these transportation options will ensure seamless connectivity within The Line, providing residents and visitors with a variety of fast and convenient travel choices.
The Line's airport integration and high-speed train connection to the Gulf of Aqaba reflect a well-thought-out and modern approach to urban development. By prioritising efficiency, sustainability, and a superior customer experience, The Line is set to become a leading example of innovative city planning, offering a unique and revolutionary urban lifestyle.
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The airport will be a large gateway to Saudi Arabia, with a focus on creating a pleasant customer experience
The airport will be a significant gateway to Saudi Arabia, with a focus on delivering a positive customer experience. By mid-2026, travellers will be able to fly into the new international airport and access a high-speed train network to reach any part of NEOM. The airport will be seamlessly integrated into THE LINE, a revolutionary urban living concept.
Traditionally, airports are located far from urban centres, requiring tedious processes like immigration, baggage collection, and transportation to the final destination. However, the new airport in NEOM aims to transform this experience. Passengers will be able to pre-clear immigration using biometric scanners, and their bags will be seamlessly transported to their end destination. This innovative approach leverages artificial intelligence to ensure that travellers' first experience in Saudi Arabia is pleasant and efficient.
The airport will be well-connected to the surrounding region. The Spine, a high-speed rail network, will link the airport to the Gulf of Aqaba on the coast with just four stops. Additionally, a metro system will enable local travel between modules, and horizontal transport corridors will provide convenient access to various levels of the structure. This multi-modal transportation network will ensure that travellers can easily navigate the area, enhancing their overall experience.
The airport's design will also prioritise sustainability. Real estate contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, and NEOM aims to revolutionise this industry. By integrating the airport into THE LINE, the project aims to rethink city-building solutions and create a more sustainable future. This approach will help reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional airport designs, contributing to a greener Saudi Arabia.
Overall, the airport will be a pivotal gateway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering a seamless and enjoyable experience to travellers. With its focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and efficient transportation options, the airport will set a new standard for urban living in NEOM and beyond.
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The airport will be accessible via a metro system, with horizontal transport corridors at four different heights
The Line will indeed have an airport. The airport will be a large gateway into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, integrated into The Line. The airport will be accessible via a metro system, with horizontal transport corridors at four different heights. This metro system will be high-speed and will link the international airport to the Gulf of Aqaba on the coast in four stops.
The metro system will allow for local travel from module to module, with transport options at different heights. This means that if you are on the 50th floor and want to go to a stadium two kilometres away, you can jump on one of the various systems, either 10 floors above or 10 floors below you. This is in contrast to a 50-storey building in New York, where you would have to go to the ground floor, leave the building, and find a train.
The airport will be accessible via a high-speed train from any part of NEOM. This is a popular solution seen in Europe and Japan, where airport rail links have been constructed for decades. Some examples of this include the Airport Rail Link between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok, the Narita Express between Narita International Airport and Tokyo, and the Union Pearson Express between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Toronto.
In addition to the metro system, The Line's airport will also feature a holistic approach to the customer experience. This includes pre-clearing immigration, biometric scanners, and transporting passengers' bags to their destinations. The airport aims to provide a pleasant first experience of the place, setting the tone for the rest of the visit.
The Line's airport is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with the first residents moving into other regions of NEOM before that. The plan is to have one million people living on The Line by 2030 and nearly nine million by 2045.
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The airport will be built on a forested area, which has raised concerns from environmentalists
The Long Thanh International Airport in Vietnam is being constructed on a forested area, which has raised concerns from environmentalists. The airport, located approximately 40 km (25 mi) east of Ho Chi Minh City, is designed to serve the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area and relieve the existing Tan Son Nhat International Airport's congestion. The airport will serve over 100 million passengers and five million tonnes of cargo annually when it reaches maximum capacity, making it the largest airport in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The decision to build the airport on a forested area has sparked concerns from environmentalists, who have called for a change in location to a plain area. However, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has defended the current location, stating that moving the airport further away from the city centre would lead to increased traffic congestion and pollution.
The project has faced mixed reactions from the public due to its high cost and distance from Ho Chi Minh City. The first phase of construction, which was initially scheduled to be completed by September 2025, is now expected to finish in the first half of 2026. The total cost of the project is estimated to be US$15.46 billion, with the first phase costing US$4.66 billion.
The airport's infrastructure is being funded by the government and official development assistance (ODA) loans, while private funding is being used to construct the passenger terminal. The Transportation Design and Engineering Corporation (TEDI) is overseeing the project, and the master plan was approved by the Prime Minister of Vietnam in 2006, with several adjustments made over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there will be an international airport on The Line, which will serve as a large gateway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The airport is expected to be ready by mid-2026.
The airport will be accessible via a high-speed rail network called The Spine, which will connect the airport to the Gulf of Aqaba on the coast in four stops.
The airport aims to provide a pleasant customer experience by reducing the hassle of a conventional airport, such as providing a seamless baggage claim process and an efficient immigration system.
