Abu Dhabi is taking a major step towards next-generation transportation with the construction of vertiports at three key locations: Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port. The project aims to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous aerial logistics, paving the way for advanced urban air mobility in the UAE.
The announcement was made during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) by LODD, an Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in AI-powered drone technology, in collaboration with Skyports Infrastructure, a global leader in vertiport development.
Revolutionizing Air Mobility in Abu Dhabi
The upcoming vertiport network will serve as designated hubs for the takeoff, landing, and servicing of flying taxis, which are set to begin operations by 2026. These high-tech landing zones will integrate seamlessly with Abu Dhabi’s transport infrastructure, enabling both passenger and cargo services.
According to Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, the initiative is a significant step toward incorporating 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,” Al Manai stated.
UAE’s Expanding Vertiport Network
The Abu Dhabi vertiports are part of a broader vision for nationwide connectivity, potentially linking key locations across the UAE.
Meanwhile, Dubai has also announced its first commercial vertiport, Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), on January 9, 2024. DXV is one of four vertiport sites under development by Skyports, in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation. The other three vertiports in Dubai—Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina—are expected to be completed in Q1 2026.
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, emphasized the importance of both passenger and cargo operations in Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure.
“The signing of an MoU highlights the progress being made to define and develop Abu Dhabi’s air mobility network. Cargo is just as crucial as passenger transport in shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector,” said Walker.
The Future of Urban Air Transport in the UAE
With flying taxis and autonomous aerial logistics set to become a reality, Abu Dhabi’s investment in vertiports marks a game-changing development in urban transport. This cutting-edge infrastructure will reduce travel time, alleviate road congestion, and create sustainable, high-efficiency mobility solutions.
As the UAE moves closer to launching commercial eVTOL services in 2026, these advancements will reinforce its status as a global leader in smart, future-ready transportation systems.
