GCAA approves technical design for UAE’s first commercial vertiport
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has recently granted technical design approval for the UAE’s first commercial vertiport, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of urban air mobility.
This approval allows Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) to proceed with the development of the Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), the first of four initial vertiports planned for Dubai.
In addition, following this, DXV becomes the first vertiport to meet the requirements under the UAE’s newly established Vertiports Regulations.
The approval process, conducted under GCAA’s regulatory framework, ensures the facility complies with stringent safety, efficiency, and operational standards.
Specifically, the framework follows the Civil Aviation Regulations for Vertiports (CAR-HVD Part III), which outline the necessary physical and operational criteria for safe vertiport infrastructure.
Furthermore, key elements evaluated during the approval process included the facility’s physical dimensions, layout, airspace integration, obstacle management, and the provision of Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS).
Notably, Skyports successfully demonstrated a comprehensive strategy for managing emergencies, including scenarios involving both battery and traditional fuel fires, while also securing essential security clearances.
Strategic vision
HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, highlighted the project’s role in reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in aviation innovation.
“The approval of the DXV Vertiport design advances the UAE’s leadership in adopting innovative aviation solutions. Aligned with the ambitious vision of the country’s wise leadership and supporting the Air Taxi Project set to launch in 2026, this project exemplifies our commitment to creating safe, secure, and future-ready infrastructure,” said Al Suwaidi.
Moreover, he added, “The GCAA is proud to play a central role in enabling transformative projects that will redefine urban mobility and set global benchmarks for integrating emerging aviation technologies.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, emphasised the transformative potential of the project, stating, “What we’re undertaking in Dubai – and expanding to other regions – completely reimagines the way people travel around cities and between regions.”
He concluded, “This is all made possible through the development of new regulatory frameworks and guidelines that ensure a compliant, safe, and scalable approach to aviation infrastructure. With the GCAA’s approval, we’ve reached a key milestone for our flagship DXV facility, bringing us one step closer to launching commercial air taxi operations.”
The UAE has solidified its position as a global leader in advanced aviation technologies.
With this approval, the country is one step closer to launching air taxi services, which are expected to commence in 2026.