Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
With the UAE spearheading the move towards advanced air mobility (AAM), Abu Dhabi Airports has stepped into the limelight having been awarded a landmark agreement to lead the development of the infrastructure and commercial readiness for a network of vertiports.
Describing the mandate as a “bold vote of confidence,” Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “With the evolution of technology and the growing demand for efficient, green mobility, air taxis represent a natural extension of our role as an airport operator. The strong collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Integrated Transport Centre and the General Civil Aviation Authority has been instrumental in turning this ambitious initiative into a reality.”
The mandate ushers in a new era of air travel in the UAE, paving the way for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be integrated into Abu Dhabi’s multimodal transport network.
Time is of the essence with Abu Dhabi anticipating eVTOL flights will launch in 2026 with more than 10 public vertiports located at key urban and transit locations. Initially vertiport infrastructure will be based at Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport.
Vertiport developer Skyports has partnered with Abu Dhabi Airports for the design, construction and engineering of each vertiport. Once construction is complete, both entities intend to partner on vertiport operations, including passenger handling, security processing, cargo operations and integration with the eVTOL operators.
Battery-powered, piloted eVTOL aircraft capable of carrying up to four passengers with initial routes limited in range due to current battery technology. However, ongoing advancements are expected to unlock longer journeys over time.
Ground infrastructure is the critical first step in enabling a functioning air taxi ecosystem. The airport operator acknowledges that integrating eVTOLS into complex airspace environments alongside existing operations commands a coordinated, safety-first approach .
Adding his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Skyports CEO, Duncan Walker, added: “This vertiport network is a key component of Abu Dhabi’s AAM strategy. With Skyports already having active vertiport projects under development both in the UAE and beyond, we feel we are in the best position to apply our previous knowledge and expertise and help bring the benefits of AAM to the UAE’s largest emirate.”
