Dubai Flying Taxis: All you need to know about fares, routes, launch dates, and more

Dubai Flying Taxis: Dubai is aiming to revolutionise public transportation by introducing air taxis by 2026. This initiative is being led by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority in partnership with JOBY Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure. These aircraft are designed as robust drones, or eVTOL (Electronic Vertical Take-off and Landing) models and are capable of carrying up to four passengers and a pilot.

They are being developed to provide secure and rapid transportation between key destinations in the Emirate, positioning Dubai as the world’s first city to establish an electric air taxi service for commercial use. The trials for the air taxis are already in progress, and they are seen as a practical solution to Dubai’s traffic congestion challenges. Passengers will have the opportunity to bypass traffic and travel in nearly half the time it currently takes. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dubai Air Taxis.

Launch Date:

The UAE is set to revolutionise urban transportation by introducing fully electric air taxis in early 2026 as part of its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives. However, the certification procedures for these cutting-edge air taxis will commence this year, in 2024. 

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Location:

Dubai’s highly anticipated air taxi service is taking shape as the first four Skyport locations have been unveiled. (Source: Joby/Time Out Dubai)

Selected based on their high population density and prominent tourist attractions, as per Ahmed Bahrozyan, the Chief Executive of the Public Transport Agency, in the initial phase, air taxi operations in Dubai will commence from four designated vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors alike.

Booking and fare:

Passengers can conveniently book air taxi rides through a dedicated mobile application created by Joby Aviation. Residents and tourists will have the option to bypass traffic and travel across the Emirates, saving 40 per cent of their time, say experts.

The air taxis will have the potential to significantly cut travel time to less than 20 minutes, with the cost expected to be similar to the premium luxury ground rideshare options, such as Uber Black or Uber Comfort. However, as the service expands on a larger scale, the pricing may become more affordable, comparable to Uber X.

Dubai Flying Taxi: This innovative initiative promises swift and safe mobility between key locations in the Emirate, offering passengers a futuristic mode of travel above the cityscape. (Source: Dubai Media Office)

Hence, with the commitment to shorter travel durations, improved connectivity, and a seamless journey, Dubai’s venture into flying taxis signifies a pivotal stride in embracing upcoming transportation innovations.