UAE Begins Mapping Air Corridor For Flying Taxis And Cargo Drones, GCAA Says

The UAE is planning routes in the sky for flying taxis and cargo drones and working on rules to allow both piloted and self-flying air vehicles, as per the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Dubai will be the first city in the world to launch a flying taxi service, which is expected to begin in early 2026. The emirate announced its first commercial vertiport, called Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) earlier this week.

The UAE air routes will link major international airports and famous landmarks. These routes will help fly taxis and cargo drones, both piloted and self-flying, operate smoothly in cities across the country.

GCAA director-general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi confirmed on Thursday that these sky routes and regulations will be finalized in the next 20 months.

"Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE's infrastructure," he said, Khaleej Times reported.

"This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future," he added.

Abu Dhabi will build vertiports in three key locations: Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port. Vertiports are special areas where flying taxis can take off, land, and receive maintenance.

At the World Governments Summit on Thursday, the GCAA partnered with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and its entities, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Aspire, aiming to share technical expertise in managing airspace and mapping the country's air corridor.

The organizations are committed to safely integrating piloted and autonomous flying taxis and cargo drones into city environments.

These new air routes will provide innovative transport solutions for passengers and cargo, reducing road traffic and improving connectivity.

Experts at TII are developing advanced AI-powered systems for air taxis and drones, allowing them to make real-time decisions using control, vision, and communication technology. This initiative is expected to enhance urban transportation while promoting sustainable and accessible mobility for future generations.