UAE paves way for air taxi future with first heliport approval

The UAE has taken a major step toward advanced air mobility with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approving the design for the country’s first hybrid heliport, set to be built at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port.

According to a Khaleej Timesreport, the heliport, developed in partnership with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation, is designed to accommodate both conventional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer’s Midnight.

It will serve as a launchpad for Abu Dhabi’s upcoming air taxi network, with commercial operations expected to begin by 2026 through Abu Dhabi Aviation.

The terminal’s strategic location -- a key gateway welcoming over 650,000 cruise visitors annually -- makes it an ideal site for this future-focused infrastructure.

The GCAA also announced that it is finalizing the world’s first regulatory framework specifically tailored to hybrid aviation infrastructure, aiming for publication by July 2025. These guidelines will enable safe and efficient operations of both helicopters and eVTOLs from shared platforms.

“This milestone approval marks a new era in civil aviation, built on collaboration and innovation,” said GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi. “We're laying the foundation for sustainable, urban air mobility across the UAE.”

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein added, “Utilizing existing aviation assets is central to our rollout strategy. It allows us to deploy critical infrastructure quickly and safely.”

In addition to supporting the air taxi network, the heliport will continue to host Falcon Aviation’s sightseeing tours, offering visitors aerial views of Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, including the Louvre and Saadiyat Island.