Dubai is set to elevate its futuristic travel ambitions-literally. By 2026, the city could witness flying taxis navigating its skyline, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to road transport. Yes, flying taxis are real-and they are almost here. The initiative is being led by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with California-based Joby Aviation. As per Conde Nast Traveller, the first test flights are expected to begin next year, with full operations likely by early 2026.
How Dubai's Flying Taxis Will Operate: Speed, Range And Vertiports
The air taxis will operate from four key vertiports currently under construction - Dubai International Airport (DXB), Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. According to The Economic Times, the first vertiport at DXB is scheduled for completion by early 2026.
Each aircraft will accommodate four passengers and one pilot, with a top speed of 320 kmph (approximately 200 mph). That means the journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah could take just 12 minutes, compared to a 45-minute drive in good traffic. As per Times of India, the aircraft will run on four battery packs and six propellers, covering up to 160 km on a single charge.
Design Of Dubai's Air Taxis: Drone-Helicopter Hybrid With Glass Views
The design resembles a hybrid between a drone and a helicopter-quieter, sleeker, and built for comfort. Times of India reports that the aircraft will feature six rotary systems and large glass panels offering panoramic views. The sound level? Just 45 decibels-about as quiet as light rain.
Conde Nast Traveller adds that passengers will enjoy sweeping views through wide glass sides and a floor-to-ceiling windscreen while flying over the city's landmarks.
Photo: Joby Aviation
Booking A Flying Taxi In Dubai May Be As Easy As Calling An Uber
Booking an air taxi may be as easy as ordering a cab. Joby, being a global partner of Uber, may integrate the service within the Uber app, allowing users to schedule, board, and pay via their phones, reports Economic Times. Eventually, the network is expected to expand to include major hotels and tourist destinations.
Flying Taxi Fare In Dubai: Expected Cost And Who It Is For
While official pricing is yet to be announced, Joby is reportedly aiming for fares around $75 per trip-comparable to a premium Uber Black ride between Palm Jumeirah and DXB. Prices may become more accessible over time as the service scales up.
Initially, the service is likely to target premium users. However, Times of India notes that the long-term plan is to make flying taxis accessible to the general public, integrating air mobility into everyday life.
Are Dubai's Flying Taxis Safe? What We Know So Far
Concerned about safety? All flights will be operated by certified commercial pilots. So far, Joby has conducted hundreds of test flights, clocking over 60,000 km safely. While there is talk of autonomous, AI-powered flights in the future, pilots will remain in control for now.
Other Gulf Cities Betting On Flying Taxis: Abu Dhabi And NEOM Join Race
Dubai is not alone in this air mobility push. As Conde Nast Traveller reports, Abu Dhabi is collaborating with Archer Aviation to launch its Midnight air taxis. Saudi Arabia's NEOM city has also completed test flights. Across the Gulf, advanced air mobility appears to be taking off-quite literally.
