UAE begins mapping air corridors for air taxis, cargo drones
The mapping and regulatory process is set to be completed within 20 months
The UAE has launched air corridor mapping and regulatory framework development for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, marking a significant step in its push to redefine urban transportation.
The initiative, a collaboration between the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities — Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE — aims to integrate air mobility solutions into the nation’s transport network.
The mapping and regulatory process is set to be completed within 20 months.
Air corridor mapping for air taxis and drones to enable seamless mobility
“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,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA.
“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,” Al Suwaidi said.
The planned aerial corridors will connect major airports and key locations, ensuring the smooth integration of autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into urban environments. The project is expected to ease congestion, enhance connectivity, and contribute to sustainable urban development.
“This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation,” said Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII. “By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations.”
ASPIRE, which is leading stakeholder coordination, emphasised the initiative’s broader economic impact. “Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward,” said Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE. “This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities.”
The agreement was announced during the World Governments Summit 2025.
Advanced air mobility is supporting the initiative
Advanced air mobility (AAM), which involves automated aircraft for passenger and cargo transport in urban areas, is at the core of this initiative. TII is focused on developing the technical aspects, while ASPIRE is engaging with regulators, industry leaders, and researchers to establish safety and operational standards.
“At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision, and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones,” said Professor Enrico Natalizio, chief researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII.
“Having mastered this technology, we can propose methodologies for AAM corridor design to optimise routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments,” he added.
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