UAE certifies world's first commercial air taxi vertiport

Dubai has taken another step closer towards launching commercial air taxi operations.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has officially certified VDX, the world's first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Developed by Skyports Infrastructure, the facility will serve as the main hub of Dubai's planned air taxi network, with three more vertiports currently under development in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority.

The certification follows a comprehensive safety and operational assessment, covering everything from infrastructure and emergency preparedness to regulatory compliance.

Officials say the milestone reinforces the UAE's position as a global leader in advanced air mobility while supporting its goals for innovation, sustainable transport and economic growth.

VDX features two take-off and landing pads, rapid charging facilities for electric aircraft and a passenger terminal capable of handling up to 170,000 passengers a year once commercial services begin.