FIFA Fliers

Facilitating Flying Taxis

As North Texas prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, flying taxis have become a real possibility to whisk fans around the region.

To make this futuristic vision a reality, Jinzhu Yu, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, is identifying the best locations for vertiports, specialized hubs for aircraft that take off and land vertically. He and his team are using advanced data analytics, modeling, and optimization techniques to evaluate potential sites.

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