How Airports Are Preparing for Advanced Air Mobility

U.S. exploring vertiports, uncrewed traffic management systems, and other infrastructure for AAM.

Jack Daleo

Monday, April 27, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Aerial rendering of Advanced Air Mobility vertiport concept in Orlando, Florida. [Credit: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority]

Key Takeaways:

Airports are preparing for the significant challenge of integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft like eVTOLs and autonomous drones into existing operations, requiring substantial modernization.
The development of vertiports and their charging infrastructure is rapidly advancing across the U.S., with Orlando International Airport pioneering large-hub integration efforts and numerous private companies establishing networks.
Successful AAM integration necessitates not only physical vertiports but also robust energy infrastructure to support high power demands and new digital uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) traffic management (UTM) platforms.
The FAA is providing initial design guidance and conducting real-world trials, such as the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, to refine operational procedures and develop future performance-based standards for vertiports and airspace management.

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Airports are always modernizing to adapt to new challenges such as safety and sustainability.

Soon, though, they could face one of their greatest challenges yet—the integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, autonomous drones, and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.