UAE’s First Hospital Vertiport to Launch at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is set to host the UAE’s first hospital-based vertiport, paving the way for air taxis to take off and land for patient transport in just minutes. The hospital’s existing helipad will be transformed by Archer Aviation Inc. to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, opening new pathways for on-demand mobility between the hospital and nearby destinations.

The planned vertiport will serve non-emergency passengers as well as time-critical medical transport, including organ transfers. Archer’s Midnight aircraft—an all-electric air taxi designed to carry four passengers—will produce significantly less noise and emissions than a standard helicopter. The same cabin configuration will be used for both patient and passenger journeys.

Archer’s Midnight air taxis are expected to begin operations by the end of 2025, with test flights planned in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation in the coming months. The partnership will also focus on pilot training, flight operations, and community engagement. Designed for rapid, back-to-back flights with minimal charge time, Midnight aims to cut 60–90 minute car commutes between emirates down to just 10–30 minutes.