Dubai has taken a major leap toward futuristic transport as its first crewed air taxi completed a successful test flight, paving the way for public services in 2026.

The electric aircraft aims to integrate seamlessly into the city’s smart and sustainable transport system.

The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed with US-based Joby Aviation, flew from Margham to Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum Airport) ahead of the Dubai Airshow 2025. The eco-friendly, ultra-quiet air taxi can carry four passengers at speeds up to 320 km/h, with a flight range of 160 km.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) briefed Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the milestone, which is part of an integrated plan for smart, sustainable, and pedestrian-friendly mobility across the emirate.

Urban trials and public launch in 2026

Officials confirmed that the next phase will include trial flights in urban areas before launching the service to the public next year. Skyports Infrastructure is constructing the first air taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport (DXB), featuring two landing pads and modern passenger facilities.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that these innovations aim to integrate transport networks, making Dubai more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly while enhancing the city’s overall quality of life.

Expanding infrastructure and connectivity

Beyond air taxis, the Crown Prince was briefed on RTA’s extensive infrastructure projects, including the Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion, which will extend the network to 131 km with 78 stations by 2029. Plans also include 226 km of new roads, 115 bridges and tunnels, and 11 main corridors to improve urban mobility.

The Future Loop project, part of the Dubai Walk Master Plan, will connect key business landmarks through a 2 km pedestrian bridge, while thousands of kilometers of walkways are planned across the city to boost pedestrian and individual mobility from 13% today to 25% by 2040.