Milestone Achieved: Dubai's First Crewed Air Taxi Flight

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai has made significant strides in future mobility with the successful completion of its first crewed electric air taxi flight, orchestrated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation. The aircraft took off from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham and safely arrived at Al Maktoum International Airport in just 17 minutes during the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking a pivotal moment for eVTOL travel within the UAE.

This flight catalyzes Dubai’s vision of launching commercial aerial taxis by 2026. Alongside this demonstration, RTA disclosed that construction of the world’s inaugural dedicated air taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport has surpassed the 60% completion threshold. Constructed by UK-based Skyports Infrastructure, this multi-level edifice has reached its peak height and is being designed to accommodate thousands of landings annually once operational.

To amplify the aerial transport network, RTA has formed partnerships with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group. Their projects will feature additional vertiports situated in high-traffic zones, thereby shaping the initial route map for the service. Key locations include Zabeel Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah at Atlantis The Royal, and Dubai Marina adjacent to the American University in Dubai, designed to provide rapid links between airports, business hubs, and popular tours.

Joby’s electric air taxi, optimized for swift urban trips, is equipped with vertical take-off and landing technology. It operates with six rotors and four battery packs, attaining speeds up to 320 km/h and a range close to 160 km. This aircraft is engineered for a quieter ride compared to traditional helicopters, accommodating four passengers in addition to the pilot while requiring limited ground space for take-off and landing.

This recent flight forms part of Joby’s robust test programme within the emirate. Previous trials in Margham assessed aircraft performance under local weather and air traffic conditions. Ongoing testing will pave the way for broader operations ahead of the anticipated 2026 launch.

Skyports’ primary vertiport near DXB spans approximately 3,100 square metres over four floors, encompassing parking decks, charging areas, take-off pads, and fully air-conditioned passenger amenities. It is being built according to top-tier global safety standards and is projected to facilitate around 42,000 landings per annum, catering to nearly 170,000 passengers.

With agreements secured, infrastructure development underway, and test flights intensifying, Dubai is poised to become the globe’s first city to realize a complete urban aerial mobility network. This innovative system is projected to significantly reduce travel times—such as the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to a mere 10 minutes—while offering a swift, efficient, and sustainable transport alternative for both residents and visitors when services commence in 2026.