The Dubai Air Taxi will be launched in phases with limited capacity starting from 2026.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the development of the city's air taxis will only proceed if stringent safety, operational sustainability, and passenger satisfaction criteria are met. Commercial flights for this service are expected to begin before the end of 2026, but in the first phase, it will operate with a limited number of daily flights, controlled operating hours, and defined passenger capacity.

According to the Roads and Transport Authority, this phased implementation aims to assess the actual performance of the system and ensure full operational readiness, with the expansion of routes based on field data rather than a fixed timeline.

In the first phase, four key points including Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah will be covered. These routes have been selected due to their importance for tourism and business, as well as high demand, and it is anticipated that travel times between some of the busiest areas of the city will be significantly reduced.

The first flight test of the fully electric aircraft for this project took place in June 2025. The aircraft used, known as Joby air taxi, has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, a range of up to 160 kilometers, and a speed of up to 320 kilometers per hour. This vehicle is fully electric and non-polluting during flight, producing less noise than conventional helicopters.

This service will be part of Dubai's integrated transport network, with its stations connected to the metro, taxis, and shared transport options such as scooters and bicycles. Reservations and payments will also be made through digital platforms.

The ultimate goal is to create a safe, reliable, and scalable urban air transport system that reduces traffic while enhancing Dubai's position in smart and sustainable transportation.
Source: Gulf News