Dubai International Airport vertiport reaches technical completion, marking first air taxi-ready site in Dubai’s vertiport network
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 20 April 2026: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) has announced that the vertiport by Dubai International Airport has reached technical completion, marking the first within the Dubai Vertiport Network to become air taxi ready. Commissioned by Skyports and designed by GHD, the purpose-built facility is now in a technical position to handle electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, supporting Dubai’s vision for a smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem.
The GHD-designed vertiport Dubai will advance the future of urban air mobility and the technical completion milestone confirms the facility is ready for the next stages of operational readiness in advance of future commercial services.
GHD was appointed by Skyports as Lead Design Consultant to deliver the vertiport infrastructure supporting Skyports’ partnership with Dubai RTA and Joby to launch eVTOL services across the Emirate by 2026. Applying a holistic, end to end design approach (through GHD’s multidisciplinary expertise), GHD developed a bold, modern and flexible vertiport concept that meets aviation operational requirements while providing an iconic, replicable model integrated with Dubai’s transport network, carefully tailored to dense urban conditions through close collaboration with partners and suppliers.
A flagship hub purpose-built for advanced air mobility
The first node in Dubai’s air taxi network, the vertiport by Dubai International Airport is the network’s flagship vertiport and will act as the primary hub.
Spanning four floors with a footprint of over 3,000m², the vertiport integrates the main passenger terminal and central flight operations under one roof. Built for high-capacity operations, it features two dedicated take-off and landing areas and is equipped with the latest technologies and infrastructure tailored for eVTOL aircraft, including passenger processing and operational systems designed to support safe, efficient turnarounds.
With a view to future network expansion, the vertiport is designed by GHD for high-capacity operations, capable of handling up to 170,000 passengers annually and up to 42,000 aircraft movements. It also provides strong intermodal connectivity, with access to the Emirates Metro Station and an integrated multistorey car park.
Key design elements include:
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Integrated vertiport facility: a G+3 facility equipped with two landing pads for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, complete with eVTOL charging facilities.
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Passenger services and back-of-house facilities: dedicated passenger accommodation and essential infrastructure to support flight operations (including charging equipment) and general operations.
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Multideck car park: a G+2 car park providing vehicle parking for passengers and supporting intermodal access.
Network expansion underway
“With the world’s first commercial vertiport now being in a technical position to take eVTOL flights, we are seeing aviation history in the making. After years of planning and in-depth design, this new class of infrastructure brings together the latest technologies and innovations that will change how people move around their cities.”
“We are honoured to be part of this pioneering project that positions Dubai as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility. The vertiport at Dubai International Airport represents not only an engineering achievement but also a transformative step forward in urban mobility. Working closely with Skyports and the RTA, we were proud to support the successful completion of this landmark infrastructure, creating a blueprint for future aerial transport systems.”
“This achievement marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution of urban mobility, embodying the collaborative vision and heroic efforts of the brightest minds across GHD, Skyports, and other key stakeholders. The extraordinary level of collaboration invested in this project has resulted in the successful delivery of an exemplary AAM initiative. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Skyports and exploring new opportunities for collaboration."
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About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.