Monday, Feb 03, 2025 • Brian Lopez : contact

As North Texas prepares to welcome thousands of soccer enthusiasts from around the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, flying taxis have become a real possibilty to whisk fans around Arlington and the region.

To make this futuristic vision a reality, it must be determined where these airborne cabs will take off and land. Jinzhu Yu, an assistant professor in The University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Civil Engineering, has been tasked by the North Central Texas Council of Governments to identify the best locations for vertiports, specialized hubs for aircraft that take off and land vertically.

Dr. Yu and his team are using advanced data analytics, modeling and optimization techniques to evaluate potential sites. Their analysis considers key factors like population density, socioeconomic status, traffic demand, accessibility to major event venues and environmental impact.

“Our goal is to identify locations that maximize convenience and efficiency while minimizing impacts on existing transportation networks and communities,” Yu said. “With the surge in visitors expected during the World Cup, having an efficient air mobility system will be strongly beneficial in managing transportation demands."

To start, Yu said, vertiports will likely be stationed at major airports across DFW, as these locations already have the infrastructure to support aircraft operations, including maintenance, fueling and passenger services. However, Yu acknowledges it will likely take time for widespread adoption of flying taxis.

“New technology takes time, from earning public trust to working out the kinks in the infrastructure and routes to bringing down operational costs,” Yu said.

One significant advantage of flying taxis, Yu noted, is their ability to integrate with existing aviation infrastructure, such as air traffic control and safety systems, while helping to ease congestion on traditional highways and roads.

The research findings will be shared with local governments and industry partners to guide future infrastructure investments and policy development. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, this project could provide a glimpse into a future where flying taxis become a complementary transportation option—not just in North Texas, but around the world.