Dubai has taken a major leap into the future of transport with the successful trial of its first electric air taxi. The test flight, conducted by Joby Aviation in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, was successfully carried out on Monday.
The all-electric air taxi can fly at a top speed of 320kph, with a range of 160km, and seats four passengers plus a pilot. Its vertical take-off and landing capabilities make it ideal for urban environments, while its near-silent operation offers a quieter alternative to helicopters.
The service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between key locations. For example, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah could take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.
Four vertiports have been confirmed for the initial rollout, at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The first commercial flights are scheduled for 2026, as Dubai prepares to become the first city in the world with a functioning aerial taxi network.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, hailed the milestone as a major step forward in the emirate’s strategy to transform public transportation, reduce travel time, and boost sustainability.
The project aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to become a global hub for smart mobility and innovation.