The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted Design Acceptance for the country’s first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port, marking a significant development in the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project.
The facility, developed through collaboration between AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services and Archer Aviation, will accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft such as Archer’s Midnight model.
“This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility. Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision,” Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA said in a statement.
UAE approves hybrid heliport
This hybrid heliport forms part of Archer’s infrastructure network in the UAE, with commercial operations planned in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).
“Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely—getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, AD Ports Group and Falcon Aviation Services,” Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer added.
The location at Zayed Port was selected for its status as a regional cruise hub that welcomes over 650,000 visitors annually and provides access to cultural destinations, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The GCAA has positioned itself as the first civil aviation authority worldwide to develop regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure.
These standards, designed to support the interoperable operation of helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform, are expected to be published by July 2025.
The hybrid heliport will serve as a key launch point for the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service, which is scheduled to begin operations by 2026, connecting key locations across the city.
“This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter,” Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Service added.
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