Dubai Air Taxi Flights Set to Take Off This Year, Confirms RTA Chairman
Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis mark a major step toward faster, cleaner urban mobility ahead of full 2026 rollout
Dubai is set to enter a new era of urban transportation as electric air taxi services are scheduled to begin commercial operations by the end of this year, according to Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The milestone follows the successful completion of Dubai’s first crewed eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) air taxi flight, developed in partnership with US-based Joby Aviation. The achievement represents a significant advance in the emirate’s ambition to lead the future of smart, sustainable mobility.
Speaking on the development, Al Tayer confirmed that preparations are progressing rapidly, with key details around journey times, vertiport locations, and aircraft capabilities now finalised ahead of the broader public rollout planned for 2026. The fully electric aircraft are designed to reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour, dramatically reducing travel times across the city while producing zero operational emissions.
The air taxis will operate from strategically located vertiports across Dubai, integrating seamlessly with the city’s existing transport network. The service is expected to offer fast, efficient point-to-point travel, easing road congestion and providing a premium mobility option for residents and visitors alike.
Developed by Joby Aviation, the eVTOL aircraft combines advanced aviation technology with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort. The successful crewed test flight underscores Dubai’s readiness to move from concept to reality in deploying next-generation transport solutions.
The launch of air taxi operations aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to adopt innovative technologies that enhance quality of life, support environmental goals, and reinforce the emirate’s position as a global hub for future mobility.
As commercial operations begin later this year, Dubai will join a select group of cities worldwide pioneering electric air taxi services, setting a new benchmark for how cities move, connect, and grow in the decades ahead.
