Dubai launch the first Aerial Taxi Vertiport
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, has announced the commencement of Dubai’s first flying taxi station near Dubai International Airport. The facility, known as a vertiport, is part of a groundbreaking initiative in aerial mobility and is designed to accommodate 170,000 passengers annually.
“The initial phase includes stations in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with services set to launch in 2026. Dubai remains committed to shaping the future of global mobility through innovation, safety, and sustainability,” Sheikh Hamdan shared on X.
Spanning 3,100 square meters, the vertiport will feature parking facilities, two dedicated take-off and landing zones, charging stations, and an air-conditioned arrivals hall. It is designed to handle up to 42,000 air taxi landings annually.
In February 2024, Joby Aviation signed an agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to develop and operate the air taxi services. Joby Aviation’s electric Joby S4 air taxis are central to the project, boasting vertical take-off and landing capabilities with zero emissions, including noise pollution. The five-seater aircraft, equipped with six fans and four battery packs, can cover distances of 161 km at a top speed of 320 km/h. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 12 minutes, significantly faster than the 45-minute car journey.
The initiative, led by the RTA and supported by Skyport for infrastructure management, aims to enhance autonomous air transportation in Dubai. Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Technology at the RTA, emphasized the project’s focus on modern, efficient, and sustainable mobility, particularly its connection to hotels and airports.
Electric air taxis are designed to be far quieter than traditional helicopters, emitting no more than 45 decibels—quieter than light rainfall—underscoring Dubai’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
