Abu Dhabi Airports and Skyports Infrastructure Take Pivotal Steps
Bringing Commercial Advanced Air Mobility to Abu Dhabi
(Photo MoU signing between Skyports CEO, Duncan Walker, and Abu Dhabi Airport's CEO Elena Sorlini, at DRIFTx Abu Dhabi. copyright Skyports, reproduced with permission)
Announced at DriftX, Abu Dhabi, the partnership lays the foundation for an Emirate wide vertiport rollout, starting with two initial vertiport locations at Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI)
Abu Dhabi, 11th November 2025 – Abu Dhabi Airports and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the global leader in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, have announced the development of Abu Dhabi's commercial vertiport network, laying the foundation for an emirate wide vertiport rollout.
Announced on November 11th 2025 during DriftX Abu Dhabi, the partnership paves the way for AAM operations in the Emirate, confirming the construction of two initial vertiport sites at Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI). Construction of these initial vertiports is already underway, and are set to be complete in Q1 2026. More than 10 vertiport sites across the emirate will be developed as a part of the plan.
Within the partnership Skyports will be providing its extensive experience in vertiport development and operations. Together with Abu Dhabi Airports, the two parties will lead on the design, construction and engineering of each vertiport, alongside the supply and installation of all equipment and technology required for vertiport operations. Once construction is complete, Skyports and Abu Dhabi Airports intend to partner on the operation of each vertiport, including passenger handling, security processing, cargo operations and integration with the eVTOL operators.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: This partnership represents a pivotal moment for Abu Dhabi's mobility landscape. By establishing these initial vertiport locations at Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), we are laying the concrete foundations for an emirate-wide Advanced Air Mobility network. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi Airports' commitment to embracing innovation and positioning the emirate as a global leader in future transport and connectivity, providing a seamless and strategic link for eVTOL operations between our airports and across the capital."
Commenting on the announcement, Duncan Walker, CEO, Skyports Infrastructure, said: "This vertiport network is a key component of Abu Dhabi's AAM strategy. With Skyports already having active vertiport projects under development both in the UAE and beyond, we feel we are in the best position to apply our previous knowledge and expertise and help bring the benefits of AAM to the UAE's largest emirate. We look forward to being able to facilitate eVTOL flights in Abu Dhabi in the near future."
About Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports operates five commercial airports in the emirate: Zayed International Airport (AUH), Al Ain International Airport (AAN), Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), Delma Island Airport (ZDY) and Sir Bani Yas Island Airport (XSB). Having welcomed over 29 million passengers through its airports in 2024, Abu Dhabi Airports is a gateway to the Emirates for travellers worldwide. It works towards its vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading global aviation hub. Since November 2023, passengers travelling through Zayed International Airport have had the privilege of experiencing the new state-of-the-art terminal, which has significantly increased the airport's operational capacity and features world-class facilities for passengers and aviation operators while strengthening Abu Dhabi's reputation as a destination of choice.
About Skyports Infrastructure
Skyports Infrastructure is the leading enabler of advanced air mobility (AAM), providing the critical link between the ground and the sky.
The company designs, builds and operates take-off and landing infrastructure for air taxis, and partners with world-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger and cargo vehicle manufacturers around the world to enable safe, sustainable and efficient flight operations within urban and suburban environments.
Find out more at: www.skyports.net
