Archer secures GCAA approval for first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has recently approved the design for a new hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.
The hybrid facility is being developed by Archer Aviation (Archer) and Falcon Aviation Services; it will support both helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations.
The project is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025 and will play a key role in Archer’s planned air taxi network in the UAE, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).
Furthermore, this marks a major step forward for the country’s ambitions in advanced air mobility, as the GCAA becomes the first civil aviation authority globally to introduce regulatory standards tailored for hybrid heliports.
These new standards, which aim to ensure safe and efficient integration of eVTOLs alongside traditional rotorcraft, are expected to be published by July 2025.
Moreover, under this infrastructure framework, the transformed facility will feature upgraded landing and safety systems, along with charging infrastructure to support electric aircraft.
By adapting an existing helipad, the project avoids the cost and complexity of building a new vertiport from scratch while making use of established airspace regulations and zoning.
Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel, and Falcon Aviation CEO Captain Ramandeep Oberoi received the official design approval certificate from Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General at the GCAA.
Strategic location
The heliport’s location at the cruise terminal was chosen for its strategic access to high-traffic destinations including Abu Dhabi Port, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, and the Corniche.
The terminal itself welcomes over 650,000 cruise passengers annually, making it a natural fit for future air taxi services.
“Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely—getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial launch,” said Archer CEO and co-founder Adam Goldstein.
“This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO, and our local operating partners.”
HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said, “This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility.”
He added, “Through our close collaboration with Archer and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape.”
On his part, Falcon Aviation CEO Ramandeep Oberoi noted, “This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter. We are proud to support the UAE’s vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure that not only enhances our tourism offering but also supports the shift toward more sustainable and advanced air mobility solutions.”
The project has also been supported by Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based company specialising in heliport and vertiport design. The firm led apron and airspace planning for the development of the hybrid facility.