Dubai to Launch World’s First Commercial Flying Taxi Service by 2026

Dubai: A new era of urban transportation is taking off as Dubai prepares to launch the world’s first commercial flying taxi service by 2026. The initiative, led by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with US-based Joby Aviation, represents a groundbreaking advancement in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology.

Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, confirmed that full-scale test flights have already been completed. He emphasized that this is not a trial program but a fully integrated addition to Dubai’s existing transport infrastructure. “We aim to be the first city in the world to offer a commercial air taxi service,” he said in an interview.

The air taxi system will be powered by Joby Aviation’s piloted, fully electric aircraft, designed to be significantly quieter than helicopters. Each aircraft can carry four passengers plus luggage and will have a range exceeding 200 kilometers, reaching speeds of over 300 km/h. These specifications could reduce travel time between major hubs such as Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah to under 10 minutes.

The project is supported by a six-year exclusive operational agreement with Joby Aviation, signed in 2024. UK-based Skyports will handle infrastructure development, including the construction of vertiports across the city.

Construction of the first vertiport has already begun behind the Emirates Airline building at Dubai International Airport. Additional locations include Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and the American University of Dubai. These strategically placed hubs will form a connected aerial transit network.

Initially launched as a premium service for business travelers and high-end tourists, pricing is expected to resemble that of current helicopter tours. However, the long-term goal is to bring costs down to the level of ride-hailing services as the technology matures and adoption increases.

Dubai’s air taxi project aligns with the city’s Smart Mobility 2030 strategy, which targets 25 percent of all transportation trips to be autonomous or semi-autonomous. The service also complements environmental goals, with its zero-emission electric aircraft contributing to reduced urban pollution.

This bold step places Dubai at the forefront of urban air mobility and could influence how other global cities approach congestion and sustainability in transport.