Dubai advances construction of world’s first dedicated flying taxi vertiport near DXB
New four-storey vertiport forms core of Dubai’s 2026 air mobility launch
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority on Sunday announced that Skyports Infrastructure has completed 60% of construction on the first vertical take-off and landing aerial taxi vertiport in the emirate.
Located near Dubai International Airport, the facility represents the world’s first purpose-built vertiport designed specifically for electric aerial taxi services and forms the backbone of Dubai’s advanced air mobility network scheduled for launch in 2026.
The vertiport has reached its highest structural point and will serve as the primary station for the early operational network. Skyports, a UK-based company specialising in aerial mobility infrastructure, is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of the vertiport in collaboration with the RTA and multiple aviation regulators across the UAE.
First eVTOL air taxi vertiport Dubai
The vertiport spans 3,100 square metres across four levels and includes dedicated take-off and landing pads, aircraft parking zones, charging stations, and two floors reserved for vehicle parking and maintenance. It also features fully air-conditioned passenger facilities designed to accommodate high passenger throughput with comfort and efficiency. According to Skyports, the facility is projected to handle around 42,000 aerial taxi landings annually and serve approximately 170,000 passengers per year.
The structure is being built to international aviation safety standards and integrates seamlessly with the adjacent airport transport infrastructure. The RTA stated that the facility will strengthen Dubai’s readiness to deploy aerial taxis while offering reliable and fast travel options for passengers arriving at or departing from the airport.
The vertiport will serve as a central hub within Dubai’s initial aerial taxi route network. It will connect with the three additional vertiports established through agreements with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group. These include the Zabeel Dubai Mall vertiport, the Atlantis The Royal vertiport on Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina vertiport adjacent to the American University in Dubai parking area.
Each location was selected to maximise connectivity between the airport, key tourism destinations, high-density residential areas, and economic zones. The RTA emphasised that the network will shorten journey times dramatically. Travelling from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, expected to take about 10 minutes by aerial taxi, will offer a significantly faster alternative to road transport.
Skyports Infrastructure CEO Duncan Walker noted that the vertiport’s progress represented a milestone in building a viable advanced aerial mobility system. He said that Dubai is on track to become the first city globally to implement a fully functional aerial taxi service that combines zero-emission aircraft with dedicated infrastructure. The company is also responsible for operations at the facility once commercial services begin.
The RTA pointed out that the vertiport marks a key phase in developing Dubai’s aerial mobility framework. It supports the leadership vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the strategic directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish the emirate as a global centre for innovation and future mobility.
How it supports 2026 launch
The 60% completion milestone reflects the rapid pace of development in preparation for Dubai’s 2026 aerial taxi service launch. The project forms part of a broader agreement signed between the RTA, Skyports Infrastructure, Joby Aviation, the General Civil Aviation Authority, and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to create an integrated VTOL network across the emirate.
The vertiport’s design includes rapid-charging systems to support Joby Aviation’s electric aircraft, which offer vertical take-off and landing capabilities, zero-emission operation, reduced noise levels, and seating for four passengers plus a pilot. By providing a hub for charging, maintenance, and smooth boarding, the DXB vertiport will help streamline the transition of aerial taxis from trial operations to commercial deployment.
The RTA confirmed that the vertiport will also integrate with public transport services and micro-mobility options to ensure seamless passenger movement. This includes easy links to Dubai Metro stations and nearby mobility hubs, supporting the emirate’s goal of establishing a multimodal transport ecosystem.
Construction remains on schedule for completion ahead of the 2026 aerial taxi launch date. Once operational, the vertiport will support both demonstration flights and commercial operations, forming the gateway for travellers using Dubai International Airport. The facility will also assist in managing flight volume, aircraft turnaround times, and ground operations across the initial network.
The RTA emphasised that the vertiport represents a key investment in Dubai’s strategy for sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced urban mobility. Its progress aligns with Dubai’s commitment to reducing emissions, enhancing travel experience, and supporting economic activity through modernised infrastructure.