Dubai is moving closer to launching its first commercial electric air taxi services after the world’s first vertiport dedicated to electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) received regulatory approval, The National News reported on July 7.

Located near Dubai International Airport, the VDX vertiport will serve as the main hub of the emirate’s future advanced air mobility network. It is expected to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually once operations begin, with the launch scheduled before the end of the year.

Covering 3,100 square meters, the facility includes two take-off and landing platforms and has received approval from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Skyports Infrastructure following a comprehensive assessment of its safety standards, operational procedures and regulatory compliance.

Additional vertiports are already being developed in Dubai Marina, Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Beyond Dubai, Abu Dhabi is also advancing its own air taxi network, with plans to build 10 vertiports connecting key locations, including Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Through these projects, the UAE aims to transform urban transportation and position itself at the forefront of the next generation of mobility.

Source: The National News