By: Logistics Middle east

Dubai has completed its first dedicated electric vertical take-off and landing Air Taxi station near Dubai International Airport, with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority advancing plans for commercial operations by the end of 2026.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed progress at the site and linked the development to Dubai’s long-term mobility agenda.

His Highness said the emirate “continues to strengthen its position as a leading global model for integrated and sustainable mobility” as it marked World Public Transport Day on 17 April 2026.

RTA drives integration

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is leading governance and system integration for the Air Taxi programme, ensuring alignment with metro, bus, and shared mobility networks across the city.

Skyports Infrastructure is responsible for developing the station, which will serve as the central hub for Air Taxi operations, while Joby Aviation manages aircraft production and flight operations.

The station comprises a four-storey facility spanning 3,100 sq m, supported by a two-level car park, two take-off and landing pads, and dedicated charging systems. Passenger handling capacity is set at up to 170,000 annually through climate-controlled processing areas.

His Highness described the project as “another step forward with the completion of the first Air Taxi Station”, reinforcing Dubai’s focus on expanding transport options across multiple modes.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, confirmed that the project supports a broader multimodal framework designed to improve connectivity and traffic movement across key urban corridors.

Four-station network

RTA has outlined a phased rollout that includes additional Air Taxi stations in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina, bringing the initial network to four locations.

Travel time between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah is expected to reach approximately 10 minutes, compared to around 45 minutes by road, positioning the service as a high-speed alternative within the city’s transport mix.

His Highness said Dubai is “moving forward in translating vision into practical reality” through the deployment of advanced mobility systems.

Flight testing

Joby Aviation completed the UAE’s first piloted Air Taxi flight in November 2025, operating a 17-minute route between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport.

The programme included 21 piloted flights conducted in summer conditions to validate aircraft performance in high temperatures.

RTA is progressing regulatory readiness and integration requirements alongside Joby’s certification pathway, which uses FAA-validated data to support commercial deployment in Dubai.

The aircraft operates as a fully electric system with zero operational emissions and a low-noise profile suited to urban environments.