Dubai Announces 2026 Aerial Taxi Network with Four Strategic Vertiports for Urban Air Mobility

Dubai Unveils 2026 Aerial Taxi Network with Four Strategic Vertiports

Dubai has taken a major leap toward next-generation mobility with the announcement of its aerial taxi network scheduled for launch in 2026 . The initiative, driven by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will integrate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the city’s transport system, making Dubai one of the first cities globally to operationalise commercial air taxis.

Urban Air Mobility for Faster, Cleaner Transport

The aerial taxi project is intended to reduce travel time, offer eco-friendly transport options and enhance Dubai’s smart mobility landscape. Recent crewed test flights have indicated high safety and readiness levels. Officials stated that eVTOL services would significantly ease congestion on Dubai’s busiest routes and reinforce its reputation as a leader in futuristic transport technologies.

Four Vertiports to Anchor the Network

The first operational phase will include vertiports at Dubai International Airport (DXB) , Downtown Dubai , Dubai Marina , and Palm Jumeirah . These strategic sites have been chosen to ensure seamless connection between business districts, tourism hubs and residential zones. The DXB vertiport will function as a multi-level hub, linked directly to the metro network and designed to handle high passenger throughput.

Joby S4 Aircraft to Power the Service

Dubai’s air taxis will use Joby’s fully electric S4 aircraft, capable of carrying one pilot and four passengers . The aircraft promises high speed, extended range and zero-emission operations. Typical road journeys of 40 minutes are expected to be reduced to 10–12 minutes by air.

Exam Facts

• Commercial aerial taxi operations begin in 2026 .

• Initial vertiports: DXB, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina .

• Joby S4 aircraft capacity: 1 pilot + 4 passengers .

• DXB–Palm Jumeirah travel time: ~10–12 minutes by eVTOL.

Integration with Dubai’s Smart Mobility Vision

Vertiports will connect with metro stations, bus lines and last-mile transport systems. Charging pads, automated boarding systems and digital ticketing will streamline passenger flow. With regulatory approvals and infrastructure rapidly advancing, Dubai is on track to introduce one of the world’s first fully functional aerial mobility corridors.