Air Taxis to Soar: India's Vertiport Future

India's urban transport congestion may soon see relief with the introduction of air taxis utilizing rooftop vertiports for operations. These Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known as air taxis, are a key component of the developing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem and require dedicated vertiport infrastructure.

Rooftop vertiports are identified as an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solution, especially for major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. They can be strategically located within commercial hubs, hospitals, tech parks, and residential towers, bringing services closer to people's daily lives.

Industry recommendations include the development of dedicated financing instruments for AAM, such as venture leasing and sector-specific infrastructure funds. A phased approach for AAM trials is also proposed, starting with drone deliveries and progressing to medical logistics and air ambulance services.

Regulators currently do not permit routine commercial vertical take-offs and landings from rooftops. The feasibility of AAM in India has been evaluated through a hypothetical corridor in the National Capital Region, connecting Gurugram, Connaught Place, and the upcoming Jewar airport.