Dubai Flying Taxis Set to Launch by 2026

10-Minute Flights to Beat the Traffic

Dubai is gearing up to launch flying taxis by early 2026, offering passengers a revolutionary way to travel across the city in just 10 minutes. This futuristic mode of transport is part of a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), JOBY Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure, marking a major step toward transforming daily commuting.

What Are Flying Taxis?

Flying taxis, also known as eVTOL aircraft (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles), are designed to transport people quickly and efficiently above traffic congestion. Unlike traditional aircraft, they require no runway and are fully electric, making them both eco-friendly and quiet.

First Four Takeoff Points Revealed

Dubai’s flying taxi service will initially launch from four key vertiport locations:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB)

• Downtown Dubai

• Dubai Marina

• Palm Jumeirah

These locations were chosen to connect major hotels and landmarks, easing traffic and offering a convenient new mobility option. The first vertiport, currently under construction at DXB, is set to be operational in Q1 2026.

How Much Will It Cost?

Despite sounding futuristic, the flying taxi ride is expected to be comparable in cost to an Uber Black, but will take one-third the time to reach your destination. Since Uber is a global partner of JOBY Aviation, users will be able to book rides through the Uber app once the service launches.

How Fast and How Long?

A typical trip from DXB to Palm Jumeirah will take only 10 minutes, compared to the current 45-minute drive. The aircraft will carry a pilot and four passengers and can fly at speeds up to 200 miles per hour.

Boarding and exiting the air taxi will take just a few minutes, with no extensive airport security checks, making the experience as seamless as possible.

Is It Safe?

Yes — safety is a top priority. JOBY aircraft come equipped with six rotors, offering more stability and redundancy than helicopters. The certification process is already underway, involving a five-stage approval process including flight tests, pilot training, facility inspections, and regulatory compliance in the UAE.

Eco-Friendly and Quiet

As fully electric vehicles, these air taxis will produce zero emissions during flight and are significantly quieter than helicopters, helping reduce urban noise pollution and environmental impact.

What’s Next?

Future expansions may include routes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Parkin, Dubai's public parking group, is working on integrated parking solutions for vertiports to support seamless “park-and-fly” journeys.

Dubai aims to be the first city in the world with inner-city air transport, pushing the boundaries of innovation and mobility. The skies above Dubai are about to get much busier — and smarter.