UAE’s First Flying Taxi Vertiport Near Dubai Airport

DXV Vertiport to Begin Air Taxi Operations by 2026

Dubai’s first flying taxi vertiport, named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), has received approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The new facility will be located near Dubai International Airport (DXB) and marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s development of an air taxi infrastructure.

Project Details

• Location:
  The DXV will be situated near Dubai International Airport, forming part of a broader initiative to integrate air taxi services into the city’s transport network.
• Design Approval:
  The GCAA approved the design of the three-storey vertiport building, which spans 3,100 square meters. The facility is expected to support up to 170,000 passengers annually.
• Flight Operations:
  Commercial air taxi operations are set to commence in Q1 2026, with Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis anticipated to provide the services. Joby Aviation is in the final stages of FAA certification and is working with the GCAA for approval in the UAE.

Infrastructure and Capacity

• Capacity Expansion:
  DXV is designed to accommodate future demand growth. The facility will feature two landing areas that can handle both eVTOL and conventional helicopter operations.
• Charging Technology:
  Fast charging stations will support rapid battery recharges, enabling up to 10 landings per hour.

Key Milestones and Future Developments

• Safety and Compliance:
  The project has received approval for meeting GCAA’s safety and physical requirements, including airspace, layout, and rescue services. The safety features also include a comprehensive firefighting strategy.
• Future Vertiports:
  In addition to DXV, three additional vertiports are planned for Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. This will form the core of the air taxi network in Dubai.

Leadership Comments

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi commented:

“The approval of DXV Vertiport advances the UAE’s leadership in adopting innovative aviation solutions, aligning with the nation’s vision and commitment to future-ready infrastructure.”

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, remarked:

“This milestone brings us closer to reimagining how people travel around cities, thanks to new regulatory frameworks that ensure safety and scalability in aviation infrastructure.”