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Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems Department at the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority, confirmed that the first station of the air taxi project in Dubai will be announced soon. He expected that the official operation of the first air taxi station will be in the first quarter of 2026, and that the project will include the initial launch of four stations, explaining that more information about these stations will be available in the coming period.
Al-Awadhi said in statements on the sidelines of the Intelligent Transport Systems Conference and Exhibition that the project is considered an ambitious step in the field of autonomous air transport, and aims to provide a modern and effective means of transportation, as the air taxi is expected to serve different areas in the city, with a focus on linking the service to hotels and the airport.
Tyler Trerotola, general manager of the Middle East at Joby Aviation, said the air taxi service is expected to start in the first quarter of 2026, with early operations likely to begin late next year.
The first phase of the service will include four strategic landing sites in Dubai: Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. They will be designed and developed in collaboration with Skyports and will include dedicated take-off and landing areas, electric charging facilities, and a dedicated passenger area and security procedures.
He added that the air taxi is an innovative electric aircraft that can carry four passengers and a pilot. The aircraft has a speed of up to 320 km/h and a range of up to 160 km. It operates smoothly and quietly compared to helicopters, as it emits a sound of no more than 45 decibels, which is less than the sound of rain.
Tyler pointed out that the new service will contribute to easing traffic congestion in Dubai, as it is expected to reduce the travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to just 10-12 minutes, compared to the current time of more than 45 minutes during peak times. He stressed the importance of this initiative in supporting smart mobility initiatives in Dubai, expressing his enthusiasm to cooperate with the Roads and Transport Authority and SkyPorts to achieve the company’s vision of developing sustainable air mobility.
The project enhances Dubai’s position as a leading city in the applications of modern technology in transportation, and reflects its commitment to sustainable innovation.
Air taxis help reduce reliance on traditional means of transportation, helping to reduce carbon emissions and boost environmental efforts in the city.
Air taxis also provide a convenient and fast alternative for transportation between key points in the city, improving the transportation experience, reducing time and alleviating traffic congestion.
