This Conceptual Dubai Airport Terminal Gives A Home To Flying Air Taxis

Architectural studio Foster + Partners recently unveiled a concept design for a vertiport terminal that could soon join the Dubai International Airport, which will provide a home for future electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles when flying air taxis become a reality.

This concept, which was designed in partnership with vertiport technology firm Skysports Infrastructure, is one of four locations that are being considered to host the site. The network will be integrated into the city’s existing transportation hubs for seamless, high-speed travel.

Key design features include the terminal being hoisted up on an elevated deck to help make aircraft takeoff and landing more convenient, with the building wrapping around the airfield so the arrival and departure lounges are connected.

Aside from granting travelers incredible views of both the aircraft in the hanger and the city itself, the structure will be adorned with an overhanging roof and façade inclination that protects the building from the warm sunlight and keeps its interior cool.

Intriguingly, the architects have intentionally matched the terminal’s exterior with the adjacent subway station so it blends in as a collective, while green landscaping has been chosen to line the building’s edges to “soften” its appearance.

“The conceptual vertiport connects with Dubai International Airport and the Dubai Metro, to provide seamless, sustainable travel across the city for international and domestic passengers,” quipped David Summerfield, Head of Foster + Partners.

The forthcoming network of vertiports is scheduled to be developed by 2026.

[via Archinect and Foster + Partners, images via Foster + Partners]