UAE Cuts Domestic Heliport Registration to Two Working Days

The General Civil Aviation Authority has reduced the time required to register domestic heliports to two working days, down from as much as 135 days under the previous certification process.

Under the revised framework, domestic heliports no longer require full certification and can instead be registered through a streamlined process. International heliports and other cases where certification remains necessary will continue to follow the existing regulatory framework.

The authority said the change is intended to simplify procedures without lowering aviation safety requirements. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said the move reflects a more risk-based regulatory approach and is intended to support investment and development in the sector.

The changes come as air mobility infrastructure expands across the UAE. Abu Dhabi is planning a network of 10 vertiports, including locations at Zayed International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Yas Island and Saadiyat, while Dubai is developing an initial network at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

The GCAA has also introduced regulations for integrating electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into the civil aviation system, alongside plans to adapt existing heliports for future air mobility services.