Civil Aviation grants approval for the technical design of the first flying taxi landing strip

The General Civil Aviation Authority announced that it has granted approval for the technical design of the first commercial helipad for flying taxis in the UAE.

This accreditation is a pivotal step that allows moving forward in the phase of building and developing infrastructure. Commercial air taxi operations are scheduled to begin from 2026.

The Dubai International Vertical Heliport (DXV) bears its name due to its location near Dubai International Airport, and is the first facility to receive design approval in accordance with the new heliport regulations in the UAE.

DXV is one of four sites in an initial air taxi infrastructure network being developed in collaboration between Skyports, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation.

Approving the design of the vertical landing strip is considered an essential step within the advanced regulatory framework developed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, ensuring compliance with the requirements stipulated in the authority’s regulations.

These regulations aim to ensure the safe implementation of heliport infrastructure, which is an essential component of future air mobility systems. This achievement highlights the UAE’s commitment to innovation in the aviation sector while maintaining its global reputation for safety standards.

The design approval process includes a comprehensive evaluation of vital factors, including physical dimensions, design, airspace considerations, surrounding environment, and rescue and firefighting services.

As part of the approval requirements, Skyports submitted an integrated rescue and firefighting strategy, including battery and conventional fuel fires, in addition to obtaining the necessary security approvals.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said that this major step in adopting the design of the “DXV” vertical helipad strengthens the UAE’s leadership in adopting innovative aviation solutions, in line with the ambitious visions of the wise leadership, and in a way that serves the air taxi project, which it seeks. State to launch in 2026.

He added that the General Civil Aviation Authority is proud of its central role in enabling transformative projects that will redefine urban mobility and set global standards for integrating emerging aviation technologies.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Sky Ports, said: “What Dubai is doing is reimagining the way people travel within cities and between regions, by developing new regulatory frameworks and guidelines that ensure a compatible, safe and scalable approach to aviation infrastructure.” Getting closer to launching commercial air taxi operations in the emirate.