Dubai is known for its love of all things futuristic and the city’s long-awaited flying taxi service has taken a step closer to becoming reality this week, with the company behind the service confirming its launch date, following a series of successful piloted test flights in Dubai.
Set to soar from key locations including Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai, flying taxis will offer a sleek alternative to traditional taxis, shaving minutes off daily commutes.
According California-based Joby, passengers can expect flights to launch next year, with several vertiports already under construction, with the first at Dubai International Airport on schedule for completion in early 2026.
The futuristic taxis will whisk up to four passengers through the sky at speeds reaching 320kph, with the trip from Dubai International to Palm Jumeirah taking an estimated 12 minutes rather than 45 minutes by car. Though pricing is still under wraps, estimates suggest such a ride will cost around $75.
Booking a flight will be as simple as hailing an Uber, through a mobile app that lets you choose your route and hop on board with the touch of a button. As the service scales up, passengers will soon be able to book rides to landmarks and hotels, all while enjoying panoramic views through the air taxi’s spacious glass sides and floor-to-ceiling windscreen.
Though they may bear a passing resemblance to helicopters, noise levels in the air taxis are much quieter (said to be comparable to the soft patter of rain) — and journeys have zero operating emissions. They’ll be piloted by experienced commercial pilots who have already conducted hundreds of test flights, totalling over 60,000 kilometres.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority said: “The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city.
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