Skyports and Linden Airport to Redevelop Miami’s Watson Island Heliport

This article is based on an official press release from Skyports Infrastructure.

Skyports and Linden Airport Services to Transform Miami’s Watson Island into Premier AAM Hub

On January 8, 2026, Skyports Infrastructure, a global leader in vertiport development, and Linden Airport Services Corporation announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to redevelop the Watson Island Heliport in Miami. This partnership aims to transform the historic site into a “next-generation” Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) hub capable of supporting both traditional Helicopters and future electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Miami’s efforts to position itself as a leader in urban air mobility. Situated on the MacArthur Causeway, the Watson Island facility offers a strategic link between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. According to the announcement, the redevelopment will modernize the existing infrastructure to accommodate the electrification requirements of air taxis while maintaining service for internal combustion engine helicopters.

This collaboration brings together Skyports’ international expertise in designing and operating vertiports, demonstrated by their projects in Dubai and Paris, with Linden Airport Services’ long-standing tenure as the site’s leaseholder. The project is expected to serve as a critical node in a broader South Florida AAM network, potentially connecting key locations such as Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Modernization and Infrastructure Plans

Dual-Use Facility Design

The core objective of the MOU is to create a dual-use facility that bridges the gap between current aviation needs and the future of electric flight. While specific architectural renderings have not yet been released, Skyports has indicated that the “modernization” will align with their standard vertiport design specifications. The facility is designed to handle current helicopter traffic immediately while preparing for the Certification and commercial launch of eVTOL aircraft.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades

According to the press release, the redevelopment will focus on several critical areas to ensure the site is ready for high-frequency air taxi operations:

• Electrification: Installation of high-speed charging stations dedicated to eVTOL aircraft.
• Passenger Experience: Construction of a modern terminal designed for a “zero-wait” experience, likely featuring biometric check-in and streamlined security processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Upgrades to meet evolving safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for powered-lift aircraft.

Strategic Context and Executive Commentary

A Long-Awaited Development

Linden Airport Services Corporation has held the lease for the Watson Island site for over 20 years. The project has historically faced delays due to legal challenges and regulatory hurdles involving zoning and neighboring operators. However, the announcement confirms that final occupancy permits are currently being processed, signaling that major barriers have been cleared.

Paul Dudley, CEO of Linden Airport Services Corporation, emphasized the longevity of their commitment to the site in a statement:

“Our commitment to Watson Island spans more than 20 years… Partnering with Skyports enables us to advance the heliport into a modern skyport, engage key aviation and real estate partners, and help establish Miami as a leader in advanced air mobility.”

Global Expertise Meets Local Strategy

Skyports Infrastructure brings significant operational experience to the partnership, having worked on the world’s first commercial vertiport projects. Robbie Ladov, General Manager of US Heliports & Vertiports at Skyports, highlighted the site’s unique value:

“Watson Island is an extraordinary asset for Miami and a pivotal location for the future of urban aviation. By partnering with Linden, we are combining Skyports’ global leadership in skyport development with Linden’s decades-long dedication to preparing this site.”

AirPro News Analysis

The collaboration between Skyports and Linden represents a pragmatic approach to the AAM infrastructure puzzle. Rather than building entirely new sites from scratch, which often invites intense zoning scrutiny and community pushback, retrofitting an existing heliport like Watson Island leverages established flight corridors and land-use permits. This strategy may allow Miami to activate AAM routes faster than cities relying solely on greenfield developments.

However, challenges remain. The transition from a heliport to a high-frequency electric vertiport requires substantial grid power upgrades, a hurdle that has complicated infrastructure projects elsewhere. Additionally, while the infrastructure may be ready, the timeline for commercial operations ultimately depends on the FAA certification of eVTOL aircraft. Until those aircraft are certified, the facility will likely operate primarily as a modernized heliport, serving traditional turbine helicopters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for the project? The MOU was signed on January 8, 2026. While specific construction timelines were not detailed in the initial announcement, the partners noted that final occupancy permits are currently being processed.

Will the heliport still serve traditional helicopters? Yes. The facility is being developed as a dual-use hub, meaning it will continue to support internal combustion engine helicopters alongside future electric air taxis.

Where is the facility located? The site is located on Watson Island along the MacArthur Causeway, providing rapid access to both Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.

Sources

• Skyports Infrastructure Press Release