Khaberni - The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai linked the expansion of the «Air Taxi» service to the results of specific operational performance indicators, which include safety and readiness, the regularity of flights, customer satisfaction, and the efficiency of integration with the transport system, as part of its preparations to launch the commercial operation of the service before the end of the current year, within the framework of a phased operational model that defines the pace of expansion based on the actual performance results.
The authority confirmed that the initial stage will begin with a limited scope, in terms of the number of daily flights, operating hours, and capacity, with the aim of testing operational readiness and ensuring the stability of the service before increasing the capacity and number of routes, indicating that the results of field measurements will form the basis for adopting any subsequent expansion.
It clarified that commercial operations are subject to the completion of comprehensive regulatory, technical, and operational requirements in coordination with the relevant authorities.
It mentioned that the service will start with four stations including Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai «Downtown Dubai», and Palm Jumeirah, due to their strategic, economic, and tourism importance and the high expected demand at these locations.
It continued that the operating company conducted the first trial flight of the fully electric aircraft in June 2025, a step that supported the system’s readiness, and paved the way for the launch of commercial operations.
It revealed that the «Air Taxi» is characterized by its ability to take off and land vertically, with a flight range of up to 160 kilometers, and a speed of up to 320 kilometers per hour, and it is entirely electric with no operational emissions and low noise levels, making it suitable for the urban environment.
It also affirmed that the service was designed to be an integral part of the mobility system, by linking the takeoff and landing sites to metro stations and providing connectivity with taxis and public transport, thus allowing customers to complete their journeys within a connected single route.
It added that booking and using the service will be through smart digital platforms that allow advance booking, electronic payment, and provide trip guidance, with gradual integration into the authority's applications, supporting a seamless and comprehensive user experience.
It mentioned that the phased operational model aims to provide an integrated and effective urban air mobility service, contributing to enhancing the quality of life and consolidating Dubai's position among the world's leading cities in applying future transportation solutions.
At the beginning of 2024, the Authority signed an agreement to launch the air taxi service, with the General Civil Aviation Authority in the country, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, British Skyports Infrastructure, a leader in developing advanced air transport infrastructure, and Joby Aviation, specialized in the advanced air transport sector, making Dubai the first city in the world to enjoy air transport in urban areas, through an advanced network for vertical takeoff and landing of the air taxi.
Thus, Dubai is steadfastly moving towards the commercial operation of the air taxi service to cement its status as a city of the future and a global center for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, combining infrastructure efficiency and high quality of life.
The «Air Taxi» will contribute to enhancing integration with various mass transit modes in the Emirate of Dubai, individual mobility means such as electric scooters and bicycles, facilitating multimodal mobility, enhancing citywide connectivity, and providing a seamless journey for passengers.
