The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority has certified VDX, the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport to receive regulatory certification for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations.
Located adjacent to Dubai International Airport, VDX will serve as the flagship and primary hub within Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network. Skyports Infrastructure is developing the network in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, with three additional vertiports currently under development.
The certification followed a comprehensive assessment by the General Civil Aviation Authority covering the vertiport’s infrastructure, physical characteristics, operational procedures, safety management arrangements, emergency preparedness, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
The four-storey facility spans approximately 3,100 square metres and includes two dedicated take-off and landing areas, rapid charging infrastructure for electric aircraft, and high-throughput passenger facilities. It will be able to accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually once commercial operations commence.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said, “The certification of the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport is a historic achievement for the UAE and a defining moment for the future of aviation. It reflects the vision of our leadership, the maturity of our regulatory system and our national capability to enable innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety. The UAE is not only preparing for the future of aviation; it is actively shaping it and establishing new international benchmarks for Advanced Air Mobility.”
The certification supports the objectives of “We the UAE 2031” and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by advancing innovation, attracting investment, supporting economic diversification, and enabling sustainable mobility solutions.
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA, commented, “The certification of VDX represents far more than the approval of a new aviation facility; it demonstrates the UAE’s ability to establish a robust regulatory framework for emerging aviation technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety and oversight. This achievement reflects the GCAA’s commitment to enabling innovation through proactive regulation, rigorous certification processes and close collaboration with industry partners.”
Duncan Walker, CEO, Skyports Infrastructure, added, “This certification is a defining moment for Advanced Air Mobility, demonstrating that the infrastructure, operational standards and regulatory frameworks required for commercial eVTOL services are now a reality. With VDX now certified and construction of the wider Dubai Air Taxi Network progressing at pace, we are one step closer to launching commercial air taxi operations, and unlocking a new era of safe, efficient and sustainable urban transport.”
The certification reflects collaboration between the GCAA, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Skyports Infrastructure, and other strategic partners involved in developing Dubai’s future Air Taxi ecosystem.
