Dubai’s First Crewed Air Taxi Flight Marks New Era

Dubai reached a major milestone in future mobility as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation successfully completed the first crewed electric air taxi flight between two separate locations in the UAE. The aircraft lifted off from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham and landed 17 minutes later at Al Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking the first point-to-point eVTOL journey of its kind in the country.

The flight adds momentum to Dubai’s plan to introduce commercial aerial taxis by 2026. Alongside the demonstration, RTA confirmed that construction of the world’s first dedicated air taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport has passed the 60% mark. Developed by UK-based Skyports Infrastructure, the multi-level facility has reached its highest structural point and is being designed to support thousands of annual landings once operational.

To expand the upcoming network, RTA has partnered with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group. Their developments will host additional vertiports positioned across high-traffic areas, forming the initial route map for the service. Locations include Zabeel Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah at Atlantis The Royal, and Dubai Marina near the American University in Dubai. These sites are planned to offer fast connections between airports, business districts, and major tourist spots.

Joby’s electric air taxi is built for short urban hops with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. It uses six rotors and four battery packs, can reach up to 320 km/h, and offers a range of roughly 160 km. Designed for quieter operation than traditional helicopters, the aircraft carries four passengers plus a pilot and requires minimal ground space for take-off and landing.

The recent flight is part of Joby’s ongoing test programme in the emirate. Earlier trials in Margham evaluated how the aircraft performs in local weather and airspace conditions. These continuous tests will lead into expanded operations ahead of the planned 2026 rollout.

Skyports’ main vertiport near DXB covers around 3,100 square metres over four floors, including parking decks, charging areas, take-off pads, and fully air-conditioned passenger facilities. It is being developed to the highest global safety standards and is estimated to support about 42,000 landings a year, serving nearly 170,000 passengers.

With agreements in place, infrastructure under construction, and test flights increasing, Dubai is positioning itself to become the first city in the world to operate a full urban aerial mobility network. The new system aims to dramatically cut travel times—such as reducing the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to around 10 minutes—and offer a fast, efficient and sustainable alternative for residents and visitors once services officially launch in 2026.