The UAE’s first commercial vertiport for flying taxi has been officially named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV). Located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), DXV is a designated hub for the takeoff, landing, and servicing of flying taxi. On Thursday, authorities confirmed its design approval, marking a significant step forward in the country’s air mobility ambitions.
DXV’s design approval, granted by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), makes it the first facility to comply with the newly established UAE Vertiport Regulations. This approval allows Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) to proceed with developing the vertiport, which is part of an air taxi infrastructure network. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation collaborated for this network.
Strategic Role of DXV
The facility spans 3,100 square meters and features a dedicated take-off and landing area, electric charging facilities, passenger amenities, and security procedures. Furthermore, it will handle 42,000 landings and accommodate 170,000 passengers annually. Initially, the service will connect four strategic locations: Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
A Regulatory Milestone
The GCAA described the design approval as a pivotal achievement in the UAE’s regulatory framework for vertiports. “The regulations ensure the safe implementation of vertiport infrastructure, a vital component for future air mobility systems,” the GCAA and Skyports said in a joint statement. They added that this achievement highlights the UAE’s commitment to aviation innovation and safety.
Design Assessment Details
The approval process involved a comprehensive evaluation of critical factors. These included physical dimensions, layout, airspace considerations, obstacle environments, and rescue and firefighting services (RFFS). Notably, Skyports demonstrated an advanced firefighting strategy covering both battery and traditional fuel fire scenarios.
GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi emphasized that the DXV Vertiport design represents a redefinition of urban mobility. He stated that it sets global benchmarks for integrating emerging aviation technologies. “The GCAA is pioneering the development of critical regulations to enable and scale air taxi operations throughout the UAE,” added Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports.
Future Prospects
The DXV project is one of four initial vertiports planned in Dubai. These will form the foundation for a broader network that aligns with the city’s vision for advanced air mobility. Authorities anticipate that the first phase of operations will begin in the first quarter of 2026. This project will herald a new era of transportation in the UAE.
