First Dubai air taxis could launch in 2025

Get ready for a flying start in Dubai! Air taxis might be soaring across the United Arab Emirates as early as 2025, with a U.S.-based aviation company paving the way to become a certified operator.

Joby Aviation said it has taken the first step towards becoming a certified air taxi operator in the UAE, by submitting a letter of intent to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Setting the stage for this innovative transport leap.

“We’re looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025, and we’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.

Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds up to 322 km per hour. This technological leap promises to transform your commute. Picture this: reducing your travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah from 45 minutes by car to just 10 minutes by air taxi.

A map showing the locations of the first four vertiports across Dubai.Photo: Joby Aviation

The first four vertiports are set to be located at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. But the plans don’t stop there—additional vertiports will be introduced, including one linking Dubai and Sharjah.

One of the perks of using these vertiports? Passengers will skip the long security lines typical at airports, making the boarding process a breeze.

Tickets are expected to be priced about the same as an Uber Black ride. Plus, thanks to a partnership with Uber, you’ll be able to book your air taxi directly through the Uber app.

A rendering of the first vertiports for Dubai's air taxis. Photo: Joby Aviation

Once these air taxis are up and running, Dubai will become the world’s first city with inner-city air transport.

In February, Joby Aviation signed a groundbreaking agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to develop these commercial aircraft. The deal, signed at the World Government Summitin the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, grants Joby an exclusive six-year right to operate air taxis in the city.

Joby has also teamed up with Skyports, the company responsible for designing, building, and operating the initial four vertiport locations across Dubai.

Meanwhile, other key players in the eVTOL industry, such as Archer Aviation, have secured multi-million dollar framework agreements to fast-track their air taxi operations in the UAE.