World’s first certified commercial vertiport in Dubai set to handle 170,000 passengers a year

The UAE has certified the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a major milestone in the development of Dubai’s planned air taxi network.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Skyports Infrastructure announced that VDX has received regulatory certification for commercial eVTOL operations, making it the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport to meet the required regulatory standards. The certification paves the way for the launch of commercial air taxi services in Dubai.

“The certification of the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport is a historic achievement for the UAE and a defining moment for the future of aviation,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. “It reflects the vision of our leadership, the maturity of our regulatory system, and our national capability to enable innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety.”

VDX will serve as the first hub in Dubai’s planned air taxi network, with three additional vertiports currently under development by Skyports in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The certification followed a comprehensive assessment by the GCAA, covering the facility’s infrastructure, operational procedures, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, and compliance with aviation regulations.

According to the GCAA, the certification highlights the UAE’s ability to establish regulatory frameworks for emerging aviation technologies while upholding stringent safety standards.

“The certification of VDX represents far more than the approval of a new aviation facility; it demonstrates the UAE’s ability to establish a robust regulatory framework for emerging aviation technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety and oversight,” said Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA.

The four-storey, 3,100-square-meter facility features two dedicated take-off and landing pads, rapid-charging infrastructure for electric aircraft, and passenger handling facilities. Once operational, it is expected to accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually.

“This certification is a defining moment for Advanced Air Mobility, demonstrating that the infrastructure, operational standards, and regulatory frameworks required for commercial eVTOL services are now in place,” said Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure. “With VDX now certified and construction of the wider Dubai Air Taxi Network progressing at pace, we are one step closer to launching commercial air taxi operations and ushering in a new era of safe, efficient, and sustainable urban transport.”

The certification supports the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to advance innovation, attract investment, diversify the economy, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility.

Officials said the milestone reflects continued collaboration between the GCAA, the RTA, Skyports Infrastructure, and other partners working to develop Dubai’s Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem.