Air Taxi Dubai on the threshold of a new phase in the field of transportation
Dubai has established itself as a global leader in transportation, driven by a series of ambitious and exceptional projects. Today, the emirate is on the cusp of a new era in this field, as it prepares to announce the first station of the air taxi project soon, and it will be operational during the first quarter of 2026, which puts it at the forefront of cities adopting future transportation technologies.
Khalid Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems Department at the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority, confirmed that the announcement of the first station for the air taxi project in Dubai will be 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 days.
Al-Awadhi said in statements on the sidelines of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Conference and Exhibition 2024: “The project is an ambitious step in the field of autonomous air transportation, and aims to provide a modern and efficient means of transportation, as the air taxi is expected to serve different areas of the city, with a focus on linking the service to hotels and the airport.”
The Intelligent Transport Systems Conference and Exhibition kicked off at the Dubai World Trade Centre last Monday and will continue until September 20. Al Awadhi stressed the importance of the conference as an ideal global platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge, and showcasing the latest innovations in the field of intelligent transportation.
He pointed out that the Intelligent Transport Systems Conference and Exhibition 2024 enhances cooperation between government and private entities to develop sustainable solutions that enhance the efficiency of the transportation system in cities.
Air taxi project stages:
“The air taxi service is expected to start in the first quarter of 2026, with early operations likely to begin late next year,” said Tyler Trerotola, general manager of Joby Aviation in the Middle East.
The first phase of the service will include four strategic landing sites in Dubai: Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Designed in collaboration with Skyports, these stations will feature dedicated take-off and landing areas, electric charging facilities, a dedicated passenger area and security procedures.
Advantages of air taxi:
The aircraft used in the air taxi service will be fully electric, can carry four passengers and a pilot, has a speed of up to 320 km/h, and a range of up to 160 km.
The aircraft is also quiet and safe, compared to helicopters, as it emits a sound of no more than 45 decibels, which is less than the sound of rain, providing a comfortable and smooth travel experience.
Tyler pointed out that the air taxi service will contribute to alleviating traffic congestion in Dubai, as it is expected to reduce the time required to travel from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to a period ranging between 10 and 12 minutes only, compared to the current time which exceeds 45 minutes during peak times.
He stressed the importance of this initiative in supporting smart mobility initiatives in Dubai, expressing his enthusiasm for cooperating with the Roads and Transport Authority and Sky Ports to achieve the company’s vision of developing sustainable air mobility.
Future prospects:
Dubai’s air taxi project is a pioneering step in the world, as it represents a model to be emulated in the field of sustainable transportation. This project is expected to contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global center for innovation and technology, and attract more investments and tourists.
The project reinforces Dubai’s position as a pioneer in the application of modern technology in transportation, and reflects its commitment to sustainable innovation. The air taxi contributes to reducing reliance on traditional means of transportation, which helps reduce carbon emissions and enhances environmental efforts in the city.
It also provides a convenient and fast alternative for moving between major points in the city, improving the transportation experience, reducing time and alleviating traffic congestion.