Flying Taxis in UAE to Use Existing Helipads Under New Groundbreaking Aviation Framework

UAE Approves Use of Existing Helipads for Flying Taxis

The UAE is officially gearing up to bring flying taxis to the skies — and now, thanks to a new regulatory framework, these aerial vehicles can take off and land using existing helipads across the country.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that both helicopters and electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be able to share infrastructure, including traditional helipads and dedicated vertiports. The move marks a world-first in aviation regulation and is expected to dramatically accelerate the rollout of flying taxis in the Emirates.

Dubai Set to Launch Aerial Taxis by 2026

Dubai is currently leading the charge, with plans to introduce its first fleet of flying taxis in 2026. The service will initially operate between four strategic locations:

Dubai International Airport Downtown Dubai Palm Jumeirah Dubai Marina

Vertiports are already under construction at these hubs, designed to handle vertical takeoffs and landings in urban environments. However, with the GCAA's new approval, existing helicopter infrastructure may now also be utilized, possibly speeding up national adoption beyond Dubai.

Framework Designed to Accelerate Innovation

The newly introduced framework serves two key goals:

Reducing infrastructure costs by enabling shared-use facilities. Accelerating operational readiness for flying taxis across the UAE.

The policy enables a more cost-effective model for both government and private sector development, while also offering flexibility for rapid deployment of aerial mobility solutions.

Commitment to Future-Ready Transport

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, emphasized that the UAE’s leadership in aviation continues to evolve:

“The UAE has always been at the forefront of excellence in aviation. This pioneering regulatory framework does not merely enable new technology; it redefines how aviation evolves.”

He added that this milestone supports the development of an advanced air mobility ecosystem, aiming to integrate flying taxis into the country’s transport landscape as seamlessly as ground vehicles.

What Comes Next?

The use of shared infrastructure like helipads and vertiports is expected to dramatically lower entry barriers for companies aiming to operate flying taxis.

While Dubai is set to be the first emirate to deploy aerial taxis, this regulatory green light signals nationwide scalability for urban air mobility across the UAE.

Stay tuned as more updates unfold about how and when residents and tourists alike can book their first ride in the skies.