Dubai has commenced the construction of the city’s first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport, as announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.
The new facility, spanning 3,100 square meters, will have the capacity to handle 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually. The initial phase of the project will feature stations in Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with services expected to launch in 2026.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that Dubai continues to shape the future of global mobility through its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. The initiative aims to make Dubai the world’s first city to offer urban aerial transport through an advanced air taxi take-off and landing network.
The official operation of the first air taxi station is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with the initial launch of four strategic landing sites in the city. This new service is expected to significantly reduce travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, from the current duration of more than 45 minutes during peak times to only 10-12 minutes.
The project will be a collaboration between leading international operators, with Joby Aviation managing aircraft manufacturing, operations, and passenger movement, while Skyports will oversee the design, construction, and operation of the vertiport’s infrastructure. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be responsible for governance and integration with other modes of transport.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi, capable of vertical take-off and landing, will be the primary mode of transportation for the air taxi service. This eco-friendly, electric vehicle with zero emissions is known for its safety, comfort, and speed, with a flight range of up to 161 kilometers and a maximum speed of 321 kilometers per hour. The aerial taxi can accommodate four passengers plus a pilot and generates significantly less noise compared to traditional helicopters.
