Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that electric air taxis will start operating in the first quarter of 2026. These air taxis will run from four vertiports located at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown. Each vehicle is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of 320 kph.
With this service, passengers will be able to travel from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in just 10-12 minutes, significantly reducing the current 45-minute car journey. Khaled Al Awadhi, director of the transportation systems department at RTA, announced this development at the ITS World Congress in Dubai, highlighting the project’s ambition to enhance autonomous air transportation.
The air taxis, powered by Joby Aviation, are expected to be much quieter than traditional helicopters, emitting sound levels no higher than 45 decibels—comparable to the sound of rain. This noise reduction is part of the effort to provide a modern and efficient transportation solution.
Tyler Trerotola, general manager of the Middle East at Joby Aviation, emphasised that the new service will help alleviate traffic congestion in Dubai. The project is expected to cut travel time between key locations, such as from the airport to Palm Jumeirah, from over 45 minutes to just 10-12 minutes during peak times.
Skyports, a firm specialising in air mobility infrastructure, will collaborate on designing and developing the heliports. These will include dedicated take-off and landing areas, electric charging stations, and passenger facilities.
Earlier this year, the RTA signed an agreement granting Joby Aviation exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for the next six years.
