Global vertiport market primed for growth, Middle East emerging as a key player
The global vertiport market is set for significant expansion over the next four years, with 1,044 vertiports planned for development between 2024 and 2028.
According to The Global Vertiport Market Map and Forecast 2024-2028, compiled by the Global AAM/UAM Market Map research team, these projects are either in the planning stages or embedded in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operators’ network strategies.
While the sector holds significant potential, complexities around repurposing non-aviation spaces, regulatory hurdles, and challenges faced by eVTOL manufacturers are expected to limit successful outcomes.
As a result, only 620 of these vertiports are forecasted to materialise by 2028. This is still a substantial increase, given that only 24 vertiports are expected to be completed globally by the end of this year.
Forecasted growth and regional variances
According to the report, the vertiport market is expected to grow from a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45% to 62%, reaching a value between $10 billion and $36 billion by 2030 and beyond.
Notably, North America is predicted to lead the vertiport development, but China’s growing “low-altitude economy” is also becoming a significant driver of growth.
In Guangdong province alone, over 100 vertiports are planned by 2027, bolstered by government-backed low-altitude economic initiatives.
Middle East: A leader in vertiport investment
Furthermore, the Middle East, in particular, is quietly becoming a pivotal region in the race for vertiport development, driven by substantial per-site investments and complex infrastructure requirements.
The region’s focus on urban centres and waterfront locations, paired with its visionary leadership in advanced air mobility (AAM), has led to some of the highest global expenditures per vertiport.
Last year, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) introduced the world’s first national regulation specifically designed for vertiports.
Additionally, during the DRIFTx event held in April in Abu Dhabi, the GCAA granted operational approval for the country’s inaugural vertiport.
In May 2024, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure.
This agreement aims to launch the first eVTOL air taxi ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027, positioning the UAE at the forefront of vertiport infrastructure development.
The network will be geared towards sustainable tourism, enabling swift, zero-emission transport across key tourist locations.
Moreover, VPorts, a leader in vertiport manufacturing, is collaborating with Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to build a 10,000-square-metre vertiport hub for all types of eVTOL aircraft.
VPorts has already mapped out plans to expand its network across the UAE, targeting locations such as Dubai South, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi by 2030.
AAM and future prospects in the Gulf
The Middle East’s vertiport infrastructure isn’t limited to tourism. The region’s early adoption of AAM technologies is also evident in urban and industrial sectors.
Experts suggest that while the Gulf states are setting the pace for early development, the region could experience a temporary slowdown post-2027 as North African nations and other parts of the Middle East focus on establishing scalable regulatory frameworks for AAM.
Despite this, the long-term outlook remains robust. With the UAE’s strategic investments and ongoing partnerships with global eVTOL pioneers, the region is well-positioned to play a key role in the global vertiport market.
Source: https://www.globalairmobilitymarket.com/vertiport-report/