Skyports and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have officially begun construction on Dubai's first-ever vertiport

Dubai, UAE, November 12th, 2024 – Skyports Infrastructure, a leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure, has partnered with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to begin construction on the world’s first permanent commercial vertiport. Located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), this groundbreaking facility is the first of four planned vertiports across Dubai, designed to facilitate air taxi operations with Joby Aviation starting in Q1 2026.

The project represents years of collaboration among Skyports, the RTA, and Joby Aviation. A ceremonial event marking the start of construction was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, Skyports Head of Infrastructure Damian Kysely, and representatives from Joby Aviation.

Earlier this year, the partnership was solidified with binding agreements, underscoring Dubai’s vision to transform urban transportation and lead globally in quiet, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services—a project supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Vertiport Design and Features

The vertiport’s design harmonizes with Dubai’s existing public transport infrastructure, such as the Dubai Metro. Developed to offer a balance of passenger comfort, high capacity, iconic design, and efficient use of space, the facility spans approximately 3,100 square meters across three stories.

It includes two landing pads capable of accommodating both eVTOL aircraft and traditional helicopters. Advanced fast-charging technology will allow for quick battery recharges between flights, enabling up to 10 landings per hour. The facility has also been engineered with scalability in mind, ensuring capacity can expand to meet future demand.

Passenger facilities include electronic check-in, security screening, a comfortable lounge, and briefing areas, all designed to deliver a seamless and premium travel experience. The vertiport will have the capacity to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually.

A Shared Vision for Advanced Air Mobility

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone: “Today marks a major step forward. The shared vision of Skyports, the RTA, Joby Aviation, and Dubai’s government authorities is becoming a reality with the construction of the first vertiport. Our teams remain focused on advancing technology, regulatory frameworks, and operational readiness to ensure a successful launch from day one.”

In addition to the DXB facility, Skyports and the RTA are planning three more vertiport locations at Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina, further building the city’s advanced air mobility network.

Air Taxi Operations by 2026

The first flights, operated by Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis, are slated to begin in early 2026. Joby is currently progressing through aircraft certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is working with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority to secure approval for operations in Dubai.

About Skyports Infrastructure

Skyports Infrastructure is a global leader in AAM infrastructure, creating the critical connection between ground and air. The company designs, builds, and operates take-off and landing infrastructure for air taxis and partners with top eVTOL manufacturers to enable safe and sustainable urban and suburban flight operations.