Dubai is preparing to make a groundbreaking leap in urban transportation with the launch of fully electric air taxis by early 2026, according to a senior official from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This move is part of Dubai's ongoing efforts to enhance its advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure.

The electric air taxi service will be powered by Joby Aviation, a leading U.S.-based company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of the Transportation Systems Department at the RTA, confirmed that the first of Dubai's four vertiports will be operational in the first quarter of 2026. Al Awadhi shared these details during the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress and Exhibition held in Dubai.

A New Era of Efficient Transport
Dubai's ambitious air taxi project is a major milestone in the city's drive toward autonomous air travel. It aims to provide a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation, connecting passengers to key areas such as hotels and airports across the city.

In a statement, Al Awadhi highlighted that the air taxis will offer swift and secure mobility, reducing travel time and congestion on Dubai’s roads. Passengers will soon experience a futuristic way to travel, soaring above the city in fully electric aircraft.

Strategic Vertiport Locations in Dubai
The service will operate from four strategic vertiports: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. Tyler Trerotola, General Manager for the Middle East at Joby Aviation, emphasized the speed and convenience these air taxis will offer. For example, passengers will be able to fly from DXB to Palm Jumeirah in just 10-12 minutes, a significant reduction compared to the 45-minute car journey.

Skyports Infrastructure, a leading provider of vertiport infrastructure for the AAM sector, has signed an agreement with the RTA and Joby Aviation to support this ambitious project. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in Dubai’s vision for urban mobility, with electric air taxis set to take flight by 2026.