The Roads and Transport Authority, in collaboration with Joby Aviation, carried out the first manned flight of the electric air taxi capable of vertical take-off and landing between two different locations. The electric air taxi took off from Joby’s test site in Margham and flew to Al Maktoum Airport (Dubai World Central) in a 17-minute journey, coinciding with the events of the Dubai Airshow 2025.

The World’s First Trial of the Electric Air Taxi

With this operation, Joby Aviation becomes the first company in the world to complete a manned electric air taxi flight with vertical take-off and landing between two different points within the UAE.

Joby announced the development of three additional vertiports to support the air taxi service, in collaboration with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group, as part of their respective real estate projects.

This achievement highlights Joby’s ability to operate safely within shared airspace. The Roads and Transport Authority and Joby are now preparing to broaden the scope of air-taxi testing in Dubai in the coming phase, preparing for the launch of passenger operations in 2026. These efforts are being carried out in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Dubai Air Navigation Services.

Is Dubai ready for the future of smart mobility?

His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of the Roads and Transport Authority, emphasized that the successful completion of the first manned electric air taxi flight represents a new milestone in Dubai’s record of progress. This achievement reflects the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who aims for Dubai to be the world’s leading city in quality of life and to be fully prepared for the future of smart and sustainable transportation.

There are also instructions for Dubai to be at the top position of cities investing in technological innovation and advanced solutions to serve people.

The development of the air taxi station near Dubai International Airport, along with the collaboration and partnerships with three major developers in Dubai to establish dedicated landing sites within their projects, boosts the Authority’s efforts to expand the network of air taxi stations and landing areas across the emirate. This expansion supports the delivery of exceptional air-transport services for residents and visitors, while enhancing connectivity between key districts, business hubs, and major destinations.

Move Faster, Move Smarter

This historic milestone highlights the strength of Dubai’s infrastructure and management systems, as well as their ability to adopt new air mobility technologies. Achieved through close collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Dubai Air Navigation Services, it marks a major step toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transport solutions. It also prepares the way for the commercial launch of air taxi services in 2026, offering a fast and convenient travel option that strengthens connectivity across Dubai’s most important areas and aims to enhance the quality of transportation in the UAE for its residents and visitors.

The Roads and Transport Authority is actively moving toward the commercial launch of the air taxi service in 2026, advancing Dubai’s position as a city of the future and a global hub for advanced and sustainable urban mobility solutions, combining strong infrastructure with a high quality of life.

The air taxi will offer a new premium service for residents and visitors looking for easy, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across Dubai.

The journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 10 minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car. The service will also enhance linking with various public transport modes, as well as individual mobility options such as electric scooters and bicycles, supporting seamless multi-system travel, improving connectivity across the city, and ensuring a smoother journey for passengers.

The Future of Transportation in Dubai

Joby Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said: “From flight testing to the development of the infrastructure ecosystem, we are making remarkable progress on every level as we prepare for the commercial launch of passenger service in Dubai next year. By working closely with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, the appropriate government authorities, and infrastructure partners, we have supported the development of the world’s first air taxi service, bringing us closer than ever to making urban air mobility a daily reality for residents and visitors of the United Arab Emirates.”

Air Taxi Operation Agreement

At the beginning of 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority signed an agreement to launch an air taxi service with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the UK-based Skyports Infrastructure, a pioneer in advanced air mobility infrastructure, and Joby Aviation, a company specializing in advanced air transport. This agreement positions Dubai as the first city in the world to offer urban air mobility through a sophisticated network of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air taxi stations.