- Dubai's air taxi service will launch in 2026, offering faster city commutes
- Joby Aviation developed the electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi
- The taxi cuts travel from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah to 10 minutes
The much-anticipated air taxi service in Dubai is all set to launch this year and will offer residents as well as visitors a safer, faster and more convenient way to commute between important destinations across the city.
This mode of travel, the air taxi, is expected to take a commuter from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in just 10 minutes. The distance between the two destinations is about 36 kilometres and a car ride normally takes 45 minutes between the destinations.
All About Dubai Air Taxi
The air taxi is being developed by Joby Aviation. Only last year, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, in collaboration with Joby Aviation, had successfully conducted the first-ever crewed electric vertical take-off and landing. The electric aerial taxi, back in 2025, took off from Joby's test facility in Margham and flew for 17 minutes straight before landing at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Following the successful trial run, Al Tayer, chairperson of the board of executive directors for Dubai RTA, had said that the organisation was steadily progressing towards the commercial launch of the aerial taxi service in 2026. "This will solidify Dubai's position as the city of the future and a global hub for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, combining efficient infrastructure with a high quality of life," Al Tayer had said.
Route
To begin with, the Dubai Air Taxi is scheduled to function from four locations, close to the Dubai International Airport, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
The structures at these locations will have two dedicated zones for take-off and landing, air conditioned lounges for the passengers, a parking facility for vehicles, and charging stations for the taxis. Each station is expected to witness approximately 42,000 landings every year. This was said in a statement by the RTA in December 2024.
The taxis will have a speed of up to 321 kmph. Meanwhile, 'vertiports' for the taxis are being developed at three locations, including Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking Area, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the American University parking area.
ALSO READ: Ex-Prince Andrew's Arrest Reopens Checkered Past: Sexual Abuse Charge, Epstein Links, China Ties
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.