UAE Deploys Etihad Rail Passenger Trains to Repatriate Residents Amid Middle East Air Travel Disruptions

The United Arab Emirates has operated special passenger train services on its national railway network to bring citizens and residents back into the country amid intensifying regional air travel disruptions. Authorities deployed three exceptional trains on the Etihad Rail network on 3 March, transporting more than 350 passengers from the Saudi border to Abu Dhabi after widespread flight suspensions across the Middle East.

The trains ran between Al Ghuwaifat station near the Saudi Arabia border and Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi. The services were organised in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre – Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) to assist travellers who were stranded in Saudi Arabia and unable to return by air due to regional airspace closures and security restrictions. The operation was conducted using the UAE’s freight-focused Etihad Rail network, which has not yet officially launched passenger services but is currently undergoing operational trials ahead of commercial introduction.

Officials said the special trains formed part of contingency mobility measures activated to maintain transport links during the ongoing regional crisis. Emergency safety protocols and operational procedures were implemented for the services, while freight movements on the national railway network continued without disruption. Authorities indicated that additional train services may be scheduled if travel disruptions persist until commercial aviation operations resume.

The deployment of rail transport comes as much of the Middle East aviation network faces severe disruption following escalating conflict in the region, resulting in widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations. Governments across the Gulf have introduced emergency measures to assist stranded travellers and residents returning home.