Abu Dhabi is set to witness a major advancement in urban air mobility with the construction of vertiports at three key locations: Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port. These designated takeoff, landing, and servicing hubs for flying taxis are scheduled to be operational by 2026, significantly enhancing the region's transport infrastructure.
The announcement was made at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) by LODD, an Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, in collaboration with Sky Sports Infrastructure. The initiative aims to establish a comprehensive vertiport network that will support the operation of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous aerial logistics across the UAE.
Transforming Abu Dhabi’s Transportation System
According to Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, "Building vertiports represents a significant step toward integrating unmanned aerial mobility into Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system. These vertiports will lay the foundation for a future-ready air mobility network, supporting both commercial eVTOL passenger services and autonomous aerial logistics."
The planned vertiports will not only serve as crucial hubs within Abu Dhabi but also hold the potential for connectivity between major locations across the UAE. Duncan Walker, CEO of Sky Sports, emphasized the broader implications of the project, stating, "The signing of an MOU highlights the progress being made to define and develop Abu Dhabi’s advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure network. The development of a comprehensive passenger and cargo network will enable us to bring wide-ranging benefits to the emirate, for both people and businesses."
Alignment with Dubai’s Air Mobility Vision
This development in Abu Dhabi follows a similar initiative in Dubai. On January 9, Dubai announced the country’s first commercial vertiport, named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV). DXV is part of a broader strategy involving four vertiports in Dubai, with additional locations in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These are being developed through a collaboration between Skyports, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Joby Aviation.
The introduction of vertiports in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward in adopting cutting-edge aerial mobility solutions. With the projected launch of flying taxis in 2026, the UAE continues to position itself at the forefront of technological advancements in transportation.
