The UAE’s first vertiport was officially named the Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) today following approval of its design under the newly established UAE Vertiport Regulations. Named DXV due to its location near Dubai International Airport (DXB), the vertiport is the first of four sites in an initial air taxi infrastructure network being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Joby Aviation.
“The approval of the DXV Vertiport design advances the UAE’s leadership in adopting innovative aviation solutions. Aligned with the ambitious visions of the country’s wise leadership and supporting the Air Taxi Project set to launch in 2026, this project exemplifies our commitment to creating safe, secure and future-ready infrastructure,” stated Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Commercial air taxi operations to begin in 2026
The GCAA granted the technical design approval for the commercial vertiport today, enabling Skyports to continue with the development of its DXV facility, where commercial air taxi operations are scheduled to begin in 2026.
The technical design’s approval by the GCAA provides assurance that the proposed aviation infrastructure will comply with the physical characteristic requirements outlined in the GCAA’s CAR-HVD Part III.
The regulations ensure the safe implementation of vertiport infrastructure, a vital component for future air mobility systems. This achievement highlights the UAE’s commitment to innovation in aviation while maintaining its global reputation for world-class safety standards.
“What we’re undertaking in Dubai – and driving in other regions – completely reimagines the way people travel around cities and between regions. This is all made possible through the development of new regulatory frameworks and guidelines, which ensure a compliant, safe and scalable approach to aviation infrastructure,” stated Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports.
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Driving innovation in transport
The design approval process involves a thorough assessment of critical factors, including physical dimensions, layout, airspace considerations, obstacle environment and Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS). As part of the approval requirements, Skyports demonstrated a comprehensive rescue and firefighting strategy for both battery and traditional fuel fires, along with securing necessary security approvals.
“Today, with the GCAA, we’ve reached a key milestone for our flagship DXV facility, bringing us ever closer to launching commercial air taxi operations,” added Walker.
The UAE’s GCAA is pioneering the development of critical regulation to enable and scale air taxi operations throughout the UAE. This latest achievement underscores the UAE’s dedication to driving innovation in aviation while upholding its global reputation for world-class safety and security standards.
