UAE announces first flying taxi station near Dubai airport
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Dubai’s ambitious air taxi project is taking flight as authorities officially approved the design of the city’s first commercial vertiport, dubbed Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), located near Dubai International Airport (DXB). The announcement, made on Thursday by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), signals a critical step toward the 2026 launch of flying taxi operations.
The DXV is one of four planned vertiport hubs forming Dubai’s initial air taxi network, developed in partnership with Skyports Infrastructure, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Joby Aviation. This approval is the first granted under the UAE’s newly established Vertiport Regulations, reflecting the nation’s growing commitment to innovative and safe aviation solutions.
The GCAA’s design approval process for DXV involved a thorough assessment of key safety and operational factors, including airspace management, layout design, obstacle assessments, and rescue and firefighting strategies tailored for electric and traditional fuel-based incidents. Authorities emphasized that these measures align with the UAE’s high aviation safety standards.
Commenting on the milestone, GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi highlighted the transformative potential of air taxi infrastructure, stating that the DXV design will set new global benchmarks for urban mobility. Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, reiterated the significance of regulatory progress in scaling air taxi operations across the UAE.
Spanning 3,100 square meters, the DXV facility will include a dedicated passenger terminal, security screening areas, and electric charging stations to support operations. Once operational, the vertiport is expected to handle up to 42,000 takeoffs and landings annually, accommodating approximately 170,000 passengers each year.
The initial phase of Dubai’s air taxi project will establish four key stations at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The rollout of the service is set to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
With the approval of DXV, Dubai continues to position itself as a leader in future mobility solutions. The regulatory framework, designed to ensure safe implementation, highlights the UAE’s readiness to support next-generation aviation technologies while enhancing urban transport connectivity.
The partnership between Skyports, RTA and Joby Aviation aims to make air taxis a viable and efficient mode of transport in Dubai, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and sustainable urban development.