Etihad Rail Freight is ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods across the UAE railway network. Following recent regional travel disruptions and flight suspensions, the network is operating normally and serving as a strong logistical backbone for the nation. Official updates confirm that the company has activated emergency infrastructure to maintain supply chain resilience and help those affected by the travel chaos.
How is Etihad Rail handling the current freight demand?
In the past nine days, Etihad Rail Freight has operated over 100 freight train trips. These trains have safely transported more than 459,000 tonnes of cargo and over 7,900 containers across the country. To bypass potential road bottlenecks, additional rail corridors have been activated by the authorities. The Al Ghail Dry Port Rail Terminal is now supported by five additional train services to manage the load. Official reports state that each freight train replaces up to 300 heavy trucks on the road while emitting 80 percent less CO2.
What are the freight cancellation charges?
Etihad Rail has laid out clear guidelines for commercial operations and cancellation charges to keep the network running smoothly.
| Time of Cancellation | Service Charge |
|---|---|
| Before Thursday 11:00 AM GST | Free |
| 48 to 72 hours before departure | 50 percent of service fees |
| 24 to 48 hours before departure | 65 percent of service fees |
| Less than 24 hours before departure | 85 percent of service fees |
Omar Alsebeyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, stated that the network was built to reinforce the reliability of the UAE logistics ecosystem. The Abu Dhabi Media Office and the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi are currently coordinating with Etihad Rail to maintain overall logistical security.
Are there any passenger services currently running?
Official passenger services are scheduled for a broader public launch in 2026. However, Etihad Rail recently stepped in to conduct an emergency passenger transport operation. The company transported over 350 passengers between Al Ghuwaifat and Al Faya to assist individuals who were stranded by temporary flight suspensions. The 900km core network is fully complete and links all seven emirates, bringing major relief to residents and expats traveling between key ports like Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, and Fujairah Port.