The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted technical design approval for the first commercial vertiport in the United Arab Emirates, according to a press statement from Skyports.
“This significant milestone enables Skyports Infrastructure to continue with the development of its DXV facility, where commercial air taxi operations are scheduled to begin from 2026. The Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), named for its location near Dubai International Airport (DXB), is the first facility to receive design approval under the newly established UAE Vertiport Regulations. It is the first of four sites in an initial air taxi infrastructure network being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Joby Aviation.
“Technical design approval is a crucial milestone in GCAA’s advanced regulatory framework, which provides assurance that proposed aviation infrastructure will comply with the physical characteristic requirements outlined in the GCAA’s CAR-HVD Part III. The regulations ensure the safe implementation of vertiport infrastructure, a vital component for future air mobility systems. This achievement highlights the UAE’s commitment to innovation in aviation while maintaining its global reputation for world-class safety standards.
“The design approval process involves a thorough assessment of critical factors, including physical dimensions, layout, airspace considerations, obstacle environment, and Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS). As part of the approval requirements, Skyports demonstrated a comprehensive rescue and firefighting strategy for both battery and traditional fuel fires, along with securing necessary security approvals.”
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