Dubai is one step closer to launching its air taxi service with the construction of the emirate's first vertiport now underway near Dubai International Airport (DXB). The 3,100 sqm facility will handle up to 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually with services expected to start in 2026.

The vertiport will initially connect key areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, offering a quick and futuristic travel option. Air taxis powered by Joby Aviation will reach speeds of up to 321 km/h and cut travel time between DXB and Palm Jumeirah to just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.

The initiative led by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is part of the city’s push for innovative, efficient transport solutions. It aims to transform mobility with a focus on safety, swift connections between popular destinations and enhancing the city's skyline.

In collaboration with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure, the project is set to make Dubai a global leader in autonomous air transport. This development follows Joby’s successful trials including the first electric air taxi flight in New York City in November 2023 and signals a major leap towards sustainable urban air mobility.