RTA to soon announce Dubai's first air taxi station for urban mobility.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to unveil its first air taxi station soon, marking a significant step in the city’s advancement toward autonomous air transport. The initial phase of the project will see the launch of four air taxi stations, with the first one set to open for business in the first quarter of 2026.

During the Intelligent Transport Systems Conference and Exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 16 to 20, Khalid Al Awadhi, Director of the Transportation Systems Department at RTA, highlighted the project's ambitious goals. “This initiative aims to provide a modern and efficient mode of transportation,” he stated, noting that the air taxis will connect key areas in Dubai, particularly linking hotels and the airport.

The initial phase will include four key landing locations: Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. Each location will feature designated take-off and landing zones, electric charging stations, passenger waiting areas, and strict security protocols. These facilities will be developed in collaboration with Skyports, a company specializing in vertiport infrastructure.

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Tyler Trerotola, general manager of Joby Aviation’s Middle East division, expressed optimism about the project, stating that the air taxi service is expected to begin operations by early 2026. He described the air taxi as an innovative electric aircraft capable of seating four passengers and a pilot. It can travel distances of up to 160 kilometers at speeds reaching 320 kilometers per hour. Notably, the aircraft operates much quieter than traditional helicopters, with a maximum noise level of just 45 dB, which is quieter than the sound of rain.

One of the key benefits of this service is its potential to alleviate traffic congestion in Dubai. For example, the travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, which can exceed 45 minutes during peak hours, is expected to be reduced to just 10 to 12 minutes.

Trerotola emphasized the importance of this air taxi initiative in promoting smart mobility in Dubai, stating his eagerness to collaborate with Skyports and the RTA to foster sustainable air mobility in the city. The aircraft is designed to operate on electricity, producing zero emissions during flight, and is built using the latest global technologies.

The agreement granting Joby Aviation exclusive rights to operate air taxis in the region for six years was established during the World Government Summit in Dubai. This partnership covers all critical aspects necessary for the service's success, including route planning, infrastructure development, and aircraft capacity.

This project underscores Dubai's commitment to sustainable innovation and reinforces its status as a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology into transportation systems. By reducing reliance on traditional transport methods, air taxis align with the city’s environmental initiatives aimed at lowering carbon emissions.

In addition to enhancing travel convenience, air taxis are expected to attract tourists and visitors to Dubai, providing a novel mode of transportation while easing traffic on major roads. The initiative is poised to boost the tourism sector by improving accessibility to the city’s key attractions.

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