Dubai air taxi: First vertiport at Dubai International Airport nearing completion

Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority stated that the construction of the first vertiport, where aerial taxis take off and land, is 60 per cent complete. The latest update on the vertiport construction follows the test flight of the crewed air taxi. 

The air taxi with passengers took off from the Jetman Helipad in Margham for the test flight conducted by Joby Aviation. After flying for 17 minutes, the air taxi successfully landed at Al Maktoum International Airport. Meanwhile, Joby Aviation became the first company to complete a crewed test flight in air taxis.  

Construction of the first vertiport is progressing near Dubai International Airport. Meanwhile, the construction is overseen by the British company Skyports Infrastructure. Besides, RTA has also entered into contracts with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal and Wasl Asset Management Group to build a vertiport at three additional sites. These construction giants would build new vertiports in Dubai’s famous industrial and residential areas. 

Dubai’s air taxi network will roll out in 2026, offering a safe and fast city–wide connectivity. The air taxi service is being developed through a multi–agency agreement involving the RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Dubai Air Navigation Services. 

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer said that air taxis mark a significant milestone in Dubai’s pursuit of smart mobility. He added that air taxis are the result of Dubai ruler Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to launch the most renewable and innovative transportation facilities in the city. He noted that air taxis ensure safe, fast mobility for residents, visitors, and tourists to access the city's major centres. 

The journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 10 minutes compared to about 45 minutes by road. 

Four vertiports in first phase
Four vertiports would be built in the first phase of the Dubai aerial taxi network, including those constructed by Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management. Emaar Properties will build the vertiport in the parking area of the Dubai Mall and will benefit the visitors to the Burj Khalifa.

Meanwhile, the Palm Jumeirah vertiport will be situated within Atlantis The Royal. The Dubai Marina facility, managed by Wasl Asset Management Group, will be developed on the American University parking lot. Visitors to the Dubai Marina and the Internet City could utilise this facility.