Dubai to introduce air taxis by the end of the year

(Patria) - Electric air taxis in Dubai will begin commercial operations by the end of this year, with the city once again confirming its status as a global leader in innovation and smart mobility.

This information was confirmed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, Matar Al Tayer, stating that preparations for the introduction of this new type of urban transport are in the final stages.

The air taxis will be part of the existing traffic system and intended for daily passenger transport.

The air taxis are being developed by the American company Joby Aviation, specializing in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.



These are fully electric aircraft that combine the functionality of helicopters and the efficiency of airplanes, but with significantly less noise and no harmful emissions.

The aircraft can fly at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, with a range of up to 160 kilometers, and are designed for a pilot and up to four passengers.

Thanks to their quiet operation, air taxis are suitable for use in densely populated urban environments.

Joby Aviation already conducted its first test flights in Dubai during 2025, which is considered one of the key milestones in the project.

The tests were carried out in cooperation with local authorities and regulators, with a focus on safety, reliability, and integration into the urban transport system.

As part of the project, the construction of special terminals – so-called vertiports – is planned at strategic locations in the city, including Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai.

The goal is to quickly connect business and tourist zones, with individual journeys that currently take up to 45 minutes by car taking only 10 to 15 minutes by air taxi.

Joby Aviation signed an agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority at the beginning of 2024, granting the company exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for the next six years.



The service will initially be available to a limited number of users, with gradual expansion expected as infrastructure develops and the number of aircraft increases.

The introduction of air taxis is part of Dubai's broader strategy aimed at reducing road congestion, lowering pollution, and improving the quality of life.

If the project meets expectations, Dubai could become the first city in the world where air taxis are part of everyday public transport.

What sounded like science fiction yesterday could become a reality by the end of this year.