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Dubai plans to launch the world’s first commercial flying taxi service in 2026, partnering with Joby Aviation for electric eVTOL aircraft that cut travel times, like from the airport to Palm Jumeirah in 10-12 minutes. Vertiports are under construction, promising sustainable urban mobility. This initiative could redefine city transport worldwide.
Dubai is on the cusp of transforming urban mobility with the planned launch of the world’s first commercial flying taxi service in 2026, a bold initiative that could redefine how cities tackle congestion and sustainability. The project, spearheaded by a partnership between the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and California-based Joby Aviation, promises to shuttle passengers across key locations in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, slashing travel times dramatically. For instance, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, which typically takes 45 minutes by car, could be reduced to just 10 to 12 minutes in the air, according to details outlined in a recent report by AGBI.
The eVTOL vehicles, resembling oversized drones with helicopter-like capabilities, are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. They operate on electric power, aligning with Dubai’s push for greener transport solutions amid its rapid urbanization. Joby Aviation, which has been developing this technology for over a decade, emphasizes the aircraft’s quiet operation and vertical landing on existing helipads, minimizing the need for extensive new infrastructure.
Infrastructure Takes Shape
Construction is already underway on a network of vertiports-specialized hubs for these air taxis-with the first one near Dubai International Airport inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This facility spans 3,100 square meters and is projected to handle 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually once operational.
