Orlando Vertiport for Flying Cars by 2028

Orlando Vertiport Flying Cars: Airport Plans Take Off by 2028

April 10, 2025

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Story Highlights:

• Orlando International Airport plans to build a vertiport for flying cars by 2028, aiming to be a hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
• Two potential vertiport sites: the East Airfield region or near the airport’s train station.
• Mayor Buddy Dyer envisions a multimodal transport future, integrating SunRail, Brightline, and eVTOL travel.
• Lilium Air Mobility shows renewed interest, and FAA rules are advancing to support AAM pilot training and safety.
• Florida state support is growing, including proposed tax exemptions for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Flying Cars in Orlando? Airport Plans Vertiport by 2028

Orlando is one step closer to making sci-fi dreams a reality. In a move that feels straight out of The Jetsons, Orlando International Airport is actively planning to bring flying cars — officially known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) — to Central Florida by 2028.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) announced this week that it’s seeking partners to develop and operate a vertiport, a designated takeoff and landing pad for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The invitation to bid is expected to be published in March.

Where Will the Vertiport Be Built?

Two potential sites are under consideration:

East Airfield region (northeast side of the airport)
South side of the airport near the train station

Both locations offer the space and infrastructure to support what could become one of the first major urban air mobility hubs in the U.S.

Angela Starke, a spokesperson for the airport, said that engaging private partners will help estimate construction costs and operational needs. Currently, no budget has been allocated for the project.

Orlando’s Vision for a Multimodal Transportation Future

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who also serves on the aviation authority, envisions a high-tech transportation network that integrates SunRail, Brightline, and vertiports. The goal is to turn the airport into a multimodal hub of the future, serving both ground and air mobility.

“We see this as a way to support Orlando’s growth,” Dyer said. “Starting with four- to six-passenger aircraft, we can eventually create aerial corridors to Tampa and beyond.”

While the timeline may not be as fast as the Jetsons’ cartoon might suggest, Dyer is optimistic. Once the first vertiport is operational, he says downtown Orlando could be next—and maybe even a manufacturing hub for flying cars.

A Second Chance at Launching Advanced Air Mobility

This isn’t Orlando’s first flirtation with flying cars. In 2020, German company Lilium partnered with Lake Nona developer Tavistock to bring eVTOL technology to the city. The plan fizzled before any aircraft ever took flight.

Still, momentum returned in 2024. Lilium reemerged with renewed interest in establishing a vertiport hub at Orlando International Airport, though no formal contract has been signed yet.

Meanwhile, federal regulators have started laying the groundwork for a safe and scalable air mobility ecosystem. The FAA finalized rules for AAM pilot training in October and hosted a major tabletop exercise at the airport in November.

“The biggest hurdle now is the FAA,” Dyer noted. “Their development of regulations—like how these aircraft integrate with existing air traffic control—is crucial before flying cars can truly take off.”

Statewide and National Momentum

Support for flying vehicles isn’t just grounded in Orlando. Statewide leaders are taking action too. Earlier this month, Florida DOT Secretary Jared Perdue voiced his support for AAM technologies. In January, State Sen. Gayle Harrel proposed a bill to exempt eVTOL sales and leases from sales tax, further incentivizing innovation.

What’s Next for Orlando’s Vertiport Dream?

If all goes as planned, Orlando International Airport will open its first vertiport by 2028. From there, downtown locations and manufacturing facilities could follow, firmly positioning the city as a national leader in futuristic transportation.

Flying cars may still feel futuristic—but in Orlando, that future is taking shape now.

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