Dubai is fast approaching the launch of its futuristic public transport system, as the first flying taxi station, or vertiport, is currently being constructed at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Scheduled for completion by 2026, this project marks a significant milestone for the city.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced the progress on his official X account on November 12. The DXB vertiport is the first of four planned in the initial phase, aimed at providing quick and convenient travel between major points in the emirate without relying on traditional roadways.
This initiative will make Dubai the pioneering city to offer urban aerial transport through a sophisticated network of aerial taxi take-off and landing sites. The DXB vertiport, spanning 3,100 square meters, will manage 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually, with facilities for aircraft charging.
Additional vertiports will be located at Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah as part of phase one. The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai will oversee the integration of this aerial taxi service with other transport modes. The flying taxis, manufactured by JOBY Aviation, promise affordable 12-minute flights.
A vertiport functions like an airport, enabling vertical take-offs and landings, making it ideal for dense urban areas. These flying taxis will carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. At the vertiport, boarding and exiting the air taxi will be swift, without the extensive security checks typical of DXB flights.
These eco-friendly vehicles, which will be bookable via Uber at a rate similar to Uber Black, will not emit pollution during flight. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of RTA, highlighted that the service will integrate with other public transport forms, offering a fast and secure travel option from key locations such as Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in about 12 minutes, a significant reduction from the usual 45-minute car journey. This service also encourages multimodal transport solutions, enhancing city-wide connectivity and providing a seamless travel experience.
