DUBAI- The construction of the first air taxi station near Dubai International Airport (DXB) has commenced, announced Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, on Tuesday.
This initiative aims to establish Dubai as the world’s premier city for urban aerial transport, facilitated by an advanced network of air taxi take-off and landing infrastructure.
Dubai’s First Air Taxi Vertiport
Construction has begun on Dubai’s first air taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport (DXB), as announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The 3,100 sq m facility will have the capacity to handle 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually.
The initial phase will feature stations in Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with services launching in 2026. This initiative aims to position Dubai as a global leader in sustainable mobility through innovation and commitment to safety.
The first air taxi station is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026, with an initial launch of four strategic landing locations across Dubai – the airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
These sites will be designed and developed in collaboration with Skyports, featuring dedicated take-off and landing areas, electric charging facilities, passenger areas, and security procedures.
The new service is expected to significantly reduce travel times, with the journey from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah projected to take only 10-12 minutes, compared to the current travel time of over 45 minutes during peak hours.
Joby Aviation will manage aircraft manufacturing, operations, and passenger movement, while Skyports will oversee the design, construction, and operation of the vertiport infrastructure.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be responsible for governance and integration with other modes of transportation.
Advanced Air Taxi with Eco-Friendly Features
The advanced air taxi, the Joby S4, is capable of vertical take-off and landing, operating as a sustainable, eco-friendly electric vehicle with zero emissions.
Known for its safety, comfort, and speed, the Joby S4 air taxi incorporates advanced technology with six rotors and four battery packs, enabling a flight range of up to 161 km at a maximum speed of 321 kmph.
With a capacity for four passengers plus a pilot, the air taxi generates significantly less noise compared to traditional helicopters.
Earlier this year, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed an agreement to launch the air taxi service.
The agreement involves the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based leader in advanced aerial mobility infrastructure development, and Joby Aviation, a US-based specialist in aerial vehicles.
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