UAE’s first hybrid heliport gets regulatory approval in what is also a world-first

Located in Abu Dhabi emirate

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved the design for transforming a cruise terminal helipad in Abu Dhabi emirate into a hybrid heliport. This pioneering site will support traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a major step forward in the UAE’s ambitions to become a global leader in advanced air mobility.

Archer Aviation, a US-based electric air taxi developer, is spearheading the transformation in collaboration with its infrastructure partner, Falcon Aviation, and with close support from the GCAA.

The site, located at the bustling Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, is poised to become the UAE’s first operational hybrid heliport and a launchpad for Archer’s broader UAE air taxi network. Commercial service at this location is expected to begin in the second half of 2025.

The cruise terminal services over 650,000 visitors annually and offers a strategic location adjacent to several of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic destinations. Travellers will soon be able to arrive directly by air at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island’s emerging cultural district, the Abu Dhabi Port, and the Corniche. The goal is to combine tourism, sustainability, and convenience into a single advanced mobility hub.

This development is part of Archer’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), the UAE’s largest commercial helicopter operator. By repurposing an existing helipad, the project sidesteps the need for time-consuming and expensive greenfield construction, instead leveraging established infrastructure to accelerate rollout.

World-first

The UAE’s trailblazing work in regulation is a key enabler of this transition. The GCAA has taken a global leadership role by becoming the first civil aviation authority to create a regulatory framework for hybrid heliport infrastructure.

These standards will enable the safe, efficient, and interoperable operation of helicopters and eVTOLs from the same platform, laying the groundwork for similar facilities across the UAE and beyond. Finalised guidelines are expected to be published by July 2025.

Upgrades to make the heliport eVTOL-ready will include installing charging stations, improving safety protocols, and modifying it to accommodate aircraft with vertical electric propulsion systems. The site will serve as a cornerstone in Archer’s planned regional air taxi network, offering a glimpse into the future of clean, rapid, and accessible urban air transport.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, emphasised the broader vision behind the initiative. “This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,” he said.

“Through close collaboration with Archer and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape.”

Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, added: “By developing the world’s first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. This framework ensures that our air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable.”

Archer CEO and co-founder Adam Goldstein underscored the importance of working with existing aviation infrastructure to ensure a rapid rollout of commercial services. “Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move quickly and safely, preparing critical infrastructure for our planned commercial launch. This achievement was only possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO and our local operating partners.”

Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, views the project as a vital evolution in tourism infrastructure. “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.

“We are proud to support the UAE’s vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure that enhances our tourism offering and supports the shift toward more sustainable and advanced air mobility solutions.”

Dubai-based Air Synapsis, a specialist in heliport and vertiport design and project management, carried out the apron and airspace redesign. Their involvement ensured that the new layout complied with safety regulations and future operational needs.

Hero image: CGI depicts eVTOL operations by Archer Aviation at the hybrid heliport in Abu Dhabi. Credit: Archer Aviation