LYNEports Community

To build a successful vertiport ecosystem, cities need to think beyond the landing pad and focus on the full infrastructure that supports and surrounds it. A vertiport is not just a landing spot, it is part of a larger, decentralized network that can change how people and goods move and connect within a city.

Each vertiport should act as a center for commercial and cultural activity. Like a smaller version of an airport, it can become a local hub for business and community life. Around these landing sites, cities can expect to see cafés, lounges, retail kiosks, mobility stations, package lockers, smart parking, and even duty-free-style shops. In my view, these spaces won’t look the same everywhere, they will reflect the local culture and needs of each city, what works in Riyadh may be very different from what is needed in Rome or Rio.

Looking ahead, these central vertiport hubs may evolve as air mobility becomes more widespread. In a few years, cities may require residential buildings to include “air parking” spaces, just as they now require car parking. Individual homes and buildings could be expected to provide landing or docking areas, depending on the size and use of the property, much like today’s rules for vehicle parking. This shift would push aerial mobility from shared hubs into the fabric of everyday urban life.

Building this kind of infrastructure takes careful planning. Cities need to think about digital connectivity, access for different types of transport (bikes, cars, shuttles, autonomous vehicles), safety zones, charging stations, logistics for goods, and how all of this fits into existing land use and zoning rules. A vertiport cannot stand alone, it must be connected to its surroundings, both physically and economically.

For cities, this is more than just adding air mobility. It is a chance to create new high-value areas that serve both travelers and locals, and to generate new sources of revenue through leases, data services, and business partnerships. When done right, vertiports can become key parts of the city, not just places to land, but places where new life, commerce, and connections begin.

This also creates exciting opportunities for architects, real estate developers, and urban planners. The areas around vertiports will need to be designed in new ways, combining aviation infrastructure with public spaces that fit the local style and needs. Those who can design and plan for this next layer of the city will help shape how people live, move, and interact for years to come.