Abu Dhabi Takes Flight with Urban Vertiports

Abu Dhabi's Future Takes Flight: Over 10 Vertiports by 2026

The United Arab Emirates, specifically Abu Dhabi, has reached another milestone in building the transportation of the future. The operator of the city's airports has announced the construction of more than 10 vertiports – aerial stations capable of accommodating vertically taking off and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs – by 2026. The aim is not only to boost innovation and tourism but also to enhance intra-city and inter-emirate transport options, significantly reducing road traffic.

What is a Vertiport, and Why is it Important?

A vertiport is an infrastructure that enables the operation of electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs). These vehicles are expected to revolutionize urban transport, as they can provide fast and environmentally friendly passenger transport with minimal space requirements. Vertiports are generally equipped with charging stations, waiting areas, passenger handling systems, and digital control devices.

Abu Dhabi is turning this concept into reality with concrete steps: the first vertiport is already under construction at Al Bateen Airport, located in the city center, ideal to become a hub in the new transport system.

The Goal is Complete Urban and National Connectivity

The CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports stated that by building vertiports, they aim to ensure fast connectivity not only within the capital but also between the emirates. This opens up a new dimension in intermodal transport where air vehicles, metros, cars, and other modes of transportation efficiently interconnect.

This development is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position in international tourism, business relations, and smart urban transport. The city has already made significant progress towards sustainable transportation, and with this step, it is moving closer to a fully smart, green, and future-proof infrastructure.

2026: Launch of the First Aerial Taxis

According to the plans, the first eVTOL flights could start in 2026, provided regulations are approved as expected by the third quarter of 2025. The project is backed by not only local but also international collaborations. Abu Dhabi has partnered with the American Archer Aviation company, a pioneer in eVTOL technology, and will be a key player in establishing the new aerial transport network.

Biometric Solutions to Enhance Passenger Experience

Abu Dhabi Airports is not only focusing on new modes of transport but also on taking the experience at existing airports to a new level. Currently, they have systems based on biometric identification operating at five points, aiding seamless passenger flow with facial recognition. The goal is for all stages of the travel process – from check-in to boarding – to be done paperlessly and entirely digitally.

This not only increases security and efficiency but also significantly contributes to enhancing airport capacity. Full implementation of the biometric system is expected to occur next year.

Record Numbers in Passenger and Freight Traffic

The innovations are already bearing fruit: in the third quarter of 2025, Abu Dhabi's airports handled 8.49 million passengers, a 10.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Zayed International Airport, as the flagship, served 8.35 million passengers by the end of September, representing a 10.4 percent annual rise.

These figures show that the aviation sector is growing extremely dynamically in Abu Dhabi, with passengers increasingly trusting the emirate as a transit or final destination.

Smart Transport is Not an End, but a Means

During the panels, it was emphasized that such developments are not for their own sake, but part of a broader vision. Abu Dhabi's long-term goal is to become a global model in smart urban transport and sustainable development. This requires not only technological investments but also regulatory and operational frameworks that allow for the rapid and efficient integration of innovations.

What Does This Mean for Travelers and Residents?

In the future, it will be conceivable that someone can quickly get from downtown to the airport or even to another emirate through a vertiport – without traffic jams and waiting. Tourism will gain a new dimension, commuting will become faster, and business trips will be much more flexible.

The innovations introduced by Abu Dhabi Airports not only strengthen the city's image but also enhance the quality of life for the population. With such development, Abu Dhabi not only meets current needs but also actively shapes the future.

Summary

Abu Dhabi is taking on a pioneering role in the introduction of next-generation transportation forms. The announcement of building more than 10 vertiports, the preparation for eVTOL technology, and the implementation of biometric systems all indicate that the city is determined to become the leading smart transport hub in the region. In the long run, such investments provide a strategic advantage for not only city residents but the whole country – at the level of technology, economy, and quality of life.

(Source of the article based on Abu Dhabi Airports’ announcement.)