Dubai gears up as flying taxis get real / AI-Generated Image
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has named four priority vertiport locations where residents and visitors will first be able to board aerial taxis: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. These sites were chosen to connect major transport hubs, tourist spots and dense residential areas for quick point-to-point travel.
Dubai maps out 4 launch pads for Flying Taxis
Dubai has confirmed its goal to launch the world’s first comprehensive urban aerial taxi network in 2026. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), recently hit a major milestone. The RTA, in partnership with US-based Joby Aviation, successfully completed the UAE’s first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight between two distinct points.This breakthrough flight saw the air taxi lift off from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham and land 17 minutes later at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), aligning with the Dubai Airshow 2025. This successful trial reinforces the city’s steady march toward its commercial launch target.
Key vertiport locations
The new era of mobility will begin with an initial network of four vertiports, specialized stations designed for the aerial taxis to take off and land vertically. These hubs have been strategically placed to connect the city’s main landmarks, business districts, and residential areas.The four initial vertiport locations and their development partners are:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) Vertiport: This will be the primary hub and is being constructed by Skyports Infrastructure. It is a four-level structure spanning 3,100 square meters and is already 60% complete. Crucially, it will be seamlessly connected to the Emirates Metro Station via an air-conditioned pedestrian bridge, ensuring full integration with the ground transport network. This hub alone is estimated to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually.
- Dubai Downtown Vertiport: Located in the Zabeel Dubai Mall parking area, this station will serve the bustling Burj Khalifa district and is being developed with Emaar Properties.
- Palm Jumeirah Vertiport: Situated atop the iconic Atlantis The Royal resort, providing direct aerial access to this premier beachfront and luxury destination.
- Dubai Marina Vertiport: Positioned at the American University in Dubai (AUD) parking zone, developed with Wasl Asset Management Group, this link will connect the vibrant residential Marina area directly to business centers like Dubai Internet City.
Meet the eVTOL Aircraft
The vehicle at the heart of the service is the fully electric Joby S4 air taxi. It is designed to be highly efficient, sustainable, and fast, operating with zero emissions.
- Capacity: The aircraft is built to carry a pilot and four passengers.
- Speed & Range: It boasts a maximum speed of 320 km/h and has a flight range of 160 km on a single charge.
- Time Savings: The most significant benefit is the dramatic reduction in travel time. For instance, the trip from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take only 10 to 12 minutes by air, a journey that currently takes approximately 45 minutes by car in ground traffic.
By integrating this advanced technology, Dubai aims to solidify its position as a global leader in urban mobility and achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Looking forward
Aerial taxis promise dramatic time savings — for example, a DXB to Palm Jumeirah trip that can take 45 minutes by car could fall to around 10–12 minutes by eVTOL, easing pressure on roads and offering a premium, low-noise, electric alternative. Beyond speed, vertiports are being planned to support multimodal journeys by linking with metros, buses and last-mile solutions. That makes eVTOLs a strategic fit for Dubai’s broader move toward smart, green and resilient transport. Dubai has already completed test flights and the first crewed eVTOL flights as part of preparations for a 2026 launch, with infrastructure and regulatory frameworks advancing alongside operator partnerships. Joby Aviation (in partnership agreements with local operators and Skyports for vertiport development) is among the key private partners being lined up to run vehicle operations and passenger logistics. The RTA’s strategy includes building vertiports with passenger facilities, charging points and security procedures to integrate aerial taxis into the wider transport network. Go to Source