Dubai is gearing up to revolutionize urban mobility with its innovative flying taxi service, set to launch commercially by the end of 2026. During the Dubai Airshow 2025, attendees caught a glimpse of the electric-powered aerial taxi, which is expected to begin trial operations in the first quarter of 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to offer free rides to select passengers, including government officials and corporate representatives, to gather feedback and refine the service. The trial phase will focus on a limited number of passengers, with no charges imposed, paving the way for a full-scale commercial rollout later in the year. Last week, RTA and Joby, the flying taxi operator, successfully completed a manned test flight between the Margham desert area and Al Maktoum International Airport, covering 65 kilometers in just 17 minutes—a journey that typically takes 50 minutes by car. The RTA is also collaborating with major developers like Emaar Properties and Wasl Asset Management Group to construct vertiports across the city, including near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These vertiports will feature advanced facilities such as charging stations, take-off and landing pads, and air-conditioned passenger areas. Additionally, RTA is exploring the potential of utilizing existing helipads to enhance the accessibility and integration of the flying taxi service with Dubai’s public transport network. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General, emphasized that this initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable and innovative urban mobility solutions.
Dubai flying taxi: RTA to offer free rides to select passengers next year
