New Metro Line to Connect City Center with Airport
The city’s transportation infrastructure is set for a major upgrade with the announcement of a new metro line that will directly connect the central business district with the international airport. The project, which has been in planning stages for three years, finally received full approval and funding last week.
The new line will feature six stations, including interchanges with existing metro lines 1 and 3. Each station will be equipped with elevators, escalators, and tactile guidance paths for passengers with reduced mobility.
Project Details
- Total length: 14.2 kilometers
- Expected daily ridership: 85,000 passengers
- Projected travel time: 22 minutes end-to-end
- Estimated completion: Late 2026
Construction is scheduled to begin next month, with initial work focusing on the central station beneath Parliament Square. Transportation officials emphasize that the project will create approximately 2,000 jobs during the construction phase and 300 permanent positions once operational.
The metro trains will run every 4 minutes during peak hours and feature modern amenities including USB charging ports, real-time information displays, and increased luggage storage space to accommodate airport travelers.
“This investment represents our commitment to sustainable urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion,” stated during the project announcement. “The airport connection will particularly benefit tourists and business travelers, providing a reliable transportation option regardless of weather conditions.”
Funding for the €1.2 billion project comes from a combination of municipal funds, national transportation grants, and international development bank loans. The metro line is expected to reduce car trips to the airport by approximately 30%, significantly lowering carbon emissions in the corridor.
