Dubai is poised to become the world’s first city to feature a fully-developed network of vertiports for permanent air taxi services by 2026. This announcement was made by Duncan Walker, the CEO of London-based company Skyports, at the concluding day of the 3rd Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport on Wednesday.
Vertiports are specialized facilities, distinct from helipads, designed for the landing, takeoff, and recharging of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft such as air taxis. Unlike conventional heliports, vertiports cater to the unique specifications of eVTOLs and can accommodate multiple drones, ensuring adequate spacing between landing and launching pads.
Skyports Infrastructure has previously received approval for its vertiport design during the World Government Summit held in Dubai in February of this year. The main hub of the flying taxi vertiport will be strategically located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), with initial operations connecting to stations in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
Flying taxis are expected to offer a plethora of benefits, including significantly reduced commute times and zero carbon operational emissions, thereby alleviating traffic congestion on the ground. For instance, Walker illustrated that the typical peak-hour commute from DXB to Palm Jumeirah would be slashed from 45 minutes to a mere six, with an additional ten minutes at the vertiport.
Aerial taxis will boast top speeds of 300kmph and a maximum range of 241km, accommodating a pilot and up to four passengers. Walker commended Dubai for its progressive stance on transportation, citing “efficient government coordination, established regulatory framework, network of feasible sites as well as integrated transport, and robust business demand” as key factors placing the city ahead in transport innovation.
This development aligns with the broader vision of Dubai’s leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who were both presented with a vertiport model by Mattar Al Tayer, RTA director general and chairman of the board of executive directors.