DUBAI, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Dubai announced Thursday the completion of its first integrated vertiport for air taxis, marking a major step forward in the emirate's efforts to develop advanced and sustainable urban transport systems.

The facility, located near Dubai International Airport, covers 3,100 square meters. The four-story vertiport includes two dedicated takeoff and landing pads for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, along with parking facilities for users.

The project is expected to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually, with commercial air taxi operations scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.

Four vertiports are planned in the initial phase by the end of 2026, including locations at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.

The system is expected to significantly reduce travel time, with flights from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah taking around 10 minutes, compared with about 45 minutes by car. ■