Air taxi services in Dubai are set to launch in 2026. WAM

Air taxi services in Dubai are set to operate soon with the construction of the air taxi stations, as announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Tuesday (September 17) during the World Congress and Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS World Congress) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Air taxis are expected to take off in the first quarter of 2026 and will include the initial launch of four air stations in Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. "The project is considered an ambitious step in the field of autonomous air transport, and aims to provide a modern and effective means of transportation, as the air taxi is expected to serve different areas of the city, with a focus on linking the service to hotels and the airport," Khalid Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems Department at the Public Transport Agency at RTA. These stations will be designed by Skyports and each station will have designated areas for take-off and landing, charging stations for electric taxis, and passenger waiting areas. Tyler Trerotola, general manager of the Middle East at Joby Aviation, said during the event that the air taxi service is expected to officially start in early 2026, with early operations possibly beginning late next year. He added that these air taxis can carry four passengers and a pilot and it operates quietly, emitting only 45 decibels of sound—quieter than rain. He pointed out that the launch of air taxis will help reduce traffic and will cut travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to just 10-12 minutes from the current 45 minutes by car. It is also powered by electricity, making it environmentally friendly and aligning with UAE's sustainable goals. In an agreement signed at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Joby has been granted the exclusive right to operate air taxis in the city for six years. Meanwhile, Archer Aviation is also set to launch air taxi services in Abu Dhabi in 2026. FLE/Expat Media
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