Air Taxis to Become a Reality in Dubai – A New Way to Commute and Travel on the Horizon
Construction of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport has begun, with operations expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026. With a total area reserved of 3,100 sqm, the facility is equipped to process 170,000 passengers and 42,000 landings in a single year. Four strategic stations in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai International Airport, Downtown, and Dubai Marina, will be targeted in the beginning phase, developed in collaboration with Skyports. These stations will include take-off and landing areas, electric charging facilities, passenger zones, and integrated security measures. What’s more, visitors at various establishments including luxury hotels in Dubai such as the well-placed Paramount Hotel Midtown will have unique options for convenient transport.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi, featuring vertical landing and take-off capabilities, is a zero-emission electric vehicle equipped with four battery packs, six rotors, and a flight distance of 161 km at a maximum speed of 321 km/h. Designed for safety, comfort, and minimal noise, the vehicle accommodates four passengers plus a pilot. Key collaborators include Joby Aviation for aircraft manufacturing and operations, Skyports for vertiport infrastructure, and RTA for governance and integration with other transport modes.