Abu Dhabi unveils new vertiport network and advanced air mobility plans   

Abu Dhabi is taking a significant step towards reshaping urban transportation by launching the world’s first vertiport network. This initiative, designed to connect key destinations across the city with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aims to provide fast, low-emission travel options.

With the first eVTOL flights expected in 2026, the roadmap outlines a phased rollout of more than ten public vertiports located at key urban and transit locations.

The project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of promoting sustainable transport and innovation-led economic diversification, positioning the city as a global leader in next-generation mobility. With over ten vertiports planned, the network will transform how people travel within the emirate, making travel across the state more environmentally friendly as well as more efficient.

The project, announced on November 10, 2025, will be a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA).

At the heart of this initiative is the deployment of eVTOL aircraft. These vehicles will provide fast, efficient, and low-emission travel across key locations in the city. The vertiport infrastructure will enable the smooth operation of these aircraft, linking crucial business, tourism, and residential destinations within the emirate.

ArcherA new network of vertiports

Abu Dhabi’s new vertiport network will span across multiple strategic locations, with plans for the state-of-the-art eVTOL facilities. According to the consortium behind the plans, “these vertiports will seamlessly integrate into the emirate’s existing transportation infrastructure, improving connectivity and accessibility throughout the city.”

Confirmed locations include Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), both of which will serve as major hubs for the network. In addition to these, other key sites and intercity routes are set to be revealed in the near future, further expanding the reach of the vertiport system. This is likely to include landing sites such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, and Abu Dhabi Island.

The partnership between Abu Dhabi Airports, which will serve as the anchor investor and main delivery partner, and other regulatory bodies such as the GCAA and Abu Dhabi Mobility ensures that the project will meet the highest safety and compliance standards. These agencies will oversee the regulation, integration, and operational safety of the vertiports to ensure smooth, secure, and efficient travel.

Abu Dhabi launches vertiport network that will integrate with Zayed International Airport https://t.co/CW4XXc6zIh pic.twitter.com/VeSedoaEJd— urbanairmobilitynews.com (@urbanairmobili1) November 12, 2025 By linking these major destinations with quick, efficient air routes, the vertiport network will drastically reduce travel times. The smart systems managed by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre “will ensure smooth digital and ground connectivity, enabling a truly integrated transport experience,” added the consortium’s statement.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said the initiative represents “the beginning of a new era” for the UAE’s aviation sector. “This reflects a qualitative leap in aviation infrastructure and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to leading the global shift towards smarter and more sustainable mobility,” he said.

Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, said the project highlights the emirate’s partnership-driven approach to building “future-defining industries”. “By integrating eVTOL infrastructure into our transport system, we are accelerating smart mobility while enhancing quality of life,” he said.

Advancing sustainable transportation

Abu Dhabi’s move to introduce eVTOL aircraft aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of transport. These eVTOL aircraft vehicles are designed to produce significantly fewer emissions than traditional air and ground transport options, helping to support the UAE’s long-term environmental goals. The vertiport infrastructure is a key component of this green mobility initiative, which seeks to minimize the carbon footprint of the city’s transportation system while enhancing efficiency.

The development of the vertiport network will position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in next-generation transport technologies. By embracing air mobility solutions that leverage electric and autonomous systems, the city is paving the way for a future where air travel is sustainable, accessible, and integrated seamlessly into the broader urban transport ecosystem.

Joby AviationThe integration of these new eVTOL aircraft into Abu Dhabi’s transport system will provide a unique solution to the city’s growing demand for efficient, low-emission travel options. As this network grows, it will not only transform how residents and visitors travel but also solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in modern, sustainable mobility.

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Mobility, said the initiative “marks a significant milestone in shaping the future of urban mobility”, ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency under a clear governance framework.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, added that the authority will play a key role in developing the infrastructure and operations of advanced air mobility. “We are proud to collaborate under this transformative partnership, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of the next era of aviation,” she said.

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