The first air taxi station will be revealed soon, according to a statement from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Four stations will be launched initially as part of the project, with the first air taxi station scheduled to open for business in the first quarter of 2026.
“The project is considered an ambitious step in the field of autonomous air transport, and aims to provide a modern and effective means of transportation, as the air taxi is expected to serve different areas of the city, with a focus on linking the service to hotels and the airport,” Khalid Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems Department at the Public Transport Agency at RTA, said on the sidelines of the Intelligent Transport Systems Conference and Exhibition, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 16 to 20.
Four key landing locations in Dubai—Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah—will be part of the service’s initial phase. They will feature designated take-off and landing zones, electric charging stations, a designated passenger area, and security protocols. They will be planned and developed in conjunction with Skyports.
On the fringes of the event, Tyler Trerotola, general manager of Joby Aviation’s Middle East division, stated that early operations of the air taxi service are anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
He went on to say that the air taxi is a cutting-edge electric aircraft with room for four people plus a pilot. The aircraft can travel up to 160 kilometers at a speed of up to 320 kmph. In comparison to helicopters, it operates smoothly and silently because its maximum noise level is 45 dB, which is lower than the sound of rain.
Tyler noted that the new service will help ease traffic congestion in Dubai because it will cut the time it takes to get from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah from over 45 minutes to just 10 to 12 minutes during peak hours. In addition to expressing his eagerness to work with SkyPorts and the Roads and Transport Authority to realize the company’s goal of creating sustainable air mobility in the city, he emphasized the significance of this initiative in supporting smart mobility initiatives in Dubai.
Because it runs on electricity and emits no emissions during operation, it is environmentally friendly. It was manufactured using the most recent, cutting-edge technologies available worldwide in this field.
The deal, which was inked during the World Government Summit in Dubai, gives Joby the sole authority to run air taxis in the area for six years. All of the crucial elements required for the service to succeed are covered by the agreement, including route selection, infrastructure provision, and aircraft capacity.
The project demonstrates Dubai’s dedication to sustainable innovation and strengthens its position as a pioneering city in the use of contemporary technology in transportation.
By reducing reliance on conventional modes of transportation, air taxis contribute to the city’s environmental initiatives and the reduction of carbon emissions.
Additionally, air taxis offer a quick and easy substitute for traveling between the city’s main locations, enhancing the experience and cutting down on travel time.
By offering a novel and distinctive mode of transportation, the air taxi is anticipated to draw tourists and visitors and reduce traffic on major thoroughfares, thereby bolstering the city’s tourism industry.
