Dubai is preparing to introduce a new era of urban transport with flying taxis expected to begin operations by the end of 2026. The electric air taxis, developed through a partnership between Dubai Roads and Transport Authority RTA, JOBY Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure, aim to transform how people travel across the city. The service will initially operate from four major vertiport locations, offering quick, efficient, and low-cost flights between key destinations.
The first phase of the project will include vertiports at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, with specific sites at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai Mall, Dubai International Airport and American University in Dubai. These locations were selected to connect major transport hubs and popular tourist spots, allowing passengers to travel quickly across the city without getting stuck in road traffic. The inaugural commercial flight is expected to depart from Dubai International Airport’s vertiport.
The flying taxis will operate with a pilot and can carry four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h. A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is estimated to take only 10 minutes, compared to the usual 45-minute drive. The goal is to offer fares similar to Uber Black, making the service affordable for everyday use. Booking will likely be available through Uber, as the company is a global partner of Joby Aviation.
Safety is a top priority for the new service. Joby Aviation has conducted extensive testing, including more than 40,000 miles of test flights and two years of hot-weather trials at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft features six rotors, providing extra safety compared to traditional helicopters. Dubai’s aviation authorities will follow a five-stage certification process, including inspections, training, and operational readiness checks, before the service is approved for public use.
The flying taxis will be electric, ensuring zero emissions during flight and much quieter operations than helicopters. Flights will operate between 1,000 and 3,000 feet above the ground, and passengers are expected to have mobile signal throughout the journey. Initially, only a few vehicles will be in service, but Joby Aviation plans to expand to a fleet of around 100 aircraft over time. The company also has long-term plans to expand routes, including potential flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
