Inside Dubai's First Flying Taxi Vertiport: A Glimpse Into the Future of Urban Mobility

Dubai is on the verge of revolutionizing urban transportation with the construction of its first commercial vertiport—a cutting-edge facility designed to serve electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Located near Dubai International Airport, this groundbreaking infrastructure project is now 60% complete and scheduled for full opening in the first quarter of 2026. As the world's first purpose-built vertiport to integrate complete aerial taxi flight operations and passenger amenities, it represents a landmark moment in Dubai's continued evolution as a global innovation hub.​

The Vision Behind Dubai's Vertiport Network

The DXV vertiport, as it's officially known, is the central node of Dubai's first aerial taxi network developed through a strategic partnership between Skyports Infrastructure, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Joby Aviation. This multi-agency collaboration marks Dubai's commitment to pioneering advanced mobility solutions that reduce congestion and emissions. The facility will eventually connect with three additional vertiports planned for Downtown Dubai at Zabeel Mall, Palm Jumeirah's Atlantis The Royal, and Dubai Marina, creating an interconnected network of air transportation hubs across the emirate.​

Inside the State-of-the-Art Facility

The DXV vertiport spans 3,100 square metres across four floors, housing everything needed for seamless aerial taxi operations. The facility features two dedicated take-off and landing pads equipped with advanced fast-charging technology that enables rapid battery recharges between flights—supporting up to 10 aircraft landings per hour. This charging infrastructure represents one of the most innovative aspects of the design, ensuring eVTOL aircraft can maintain continuous operations throughout the day.​

The passenger terminal has been meticulously designed to provide a premium, frictionless experience. Travelers will pass through automated electronic check-in systems and advanced security screening before accessing a comfortable departure lounge and specialized briefing areas. The design incorporates scenic views of the aircraft and Dubai's skyline, while maintaining optimal climate control through an overhanging roof and strategically inclined façade that shields the building from direct sunlight.​

Operational Scale and Capacity

When fully operational, the DXV vertiport is engineered to handle impressive capacity numbers. The facility is designed to accommodate approximately 42,000 aircraft movements annually while serving roughly 170,000 passengers per year. For context, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take approximately 10 minutes by air taxi—compared to roughly 45 minutes by road—making it a game-changer for business travelers and tourists alike.​

The vertiport's flexibility extends to its ability to accommodate both eVTOL aircraft and conventional helicopter traffic, providing operational versatility. Additionally, the facility includes a multi-deck parking garage and seamless transfer links between air and ground transportation, ensuring passengers can easily connect with existing mobility solutions like the nearby Emirates Metro station.​

Safety and Regulatory Excellence

Dubai's commitment to safety is evident in the facility's design. The GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) granted technical design approval, confirming compliance with the UAE's rigorous Vertiport Regulations under CAR-HVD Part III. Skyports demonstrated a comprehensive rescue and firefighting strategy addressing both battery-electric and traditional fuel fires, alongside securing essential security approvals.​

The Future of Dubai Mobility

As Dubai gears up for commercial aerial taxi service launch in 2026, the DXV vertiport stands as a testament to the city's vision of transforming urban transportation through innovation and sustainability. This facility doesn't just represent a new mode of transit—it symbolizes Dubai's dedication to becoming the world's first city to successfully implement commercial advanced air mobility at scale, making the future of urban transportation a present-day reality.