Sheikh Hamdan Unveils Dubai First Air Taxi Station Milestone

Dubai has completed its first dedicated Air Taxi station near Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking a significant step toward introducing electric air mobility in the emirate. The project reflects Dubai’s long-term vision to build an advanced, sustainable, and fully integrated transport system.

Sheikh Hamdan highlights strategic mobility breakthrough

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described the development as a strategic leap in Dubai’s journey toward future urban mobility. He emphasized that the project aligns with Dubai’s goal of becoming a global leader in innovation-driven and sustainable transport solutions.

He noted that the new Air Taxi infrastructure strengthens Dubai’s commitment to expanding seamless transport options, improving quality of life, and enhancing overall urban efficiency.

First eVTOL Air Taxi station near DXB

The newly completed facility is the first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Air Taxi station in Dubai. Developed near DXB, it will serve as the central hub for upcoming Air Taxi operations in the city.

Key features of the station include:

• Four-storey structure spanning 3,100 square metres

• Two dedicated landing and take-off pads

• Electric charging infrastructure for Air Taxi aircraft

• Climate-controlled passenger facilities

• Capacity to serve up to 170,000 passengers annually

Travel time to reduce drastically across Dubai

One of the most notable benefits of the Air Taxi service will be reduced travel time. The journey between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 10 minutes, compared to nearly 45 minutes by road.

Launch timeline and network expansion

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that commercial Air Taxi operations are targeted to begin by the end of this year. By 2026, the network is expected to expand to four stations, including Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.

Strategic partnerships driving the project

The project is being delivered through collaboration between:

• Skyports Infrastructure (station design and operations)

• Joby Aviation (aircraft manufacturing and operations)

• Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (regulation and integration)

Joby Aviation also holds exclusive operational rights for Air Taxi services in Dubai for six years under an agreement with RTA.

Future of smart and sustainable transport

Officials stated that the Air Taxi system will integrate with Dubai’s existing transport network, including metro, buses, and micro-mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles. The service is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and support Dubai’s vision of becoming a global model for smart urban mobility.