Dubai establishes itself as a pioneer in the world’s aerial mobility system and will host the city’s first vertiport for air taxis near the international airport. In this way, Dubai will be one of the destinations to incorporate this type of system on the planet, with a mechanism for takeoff and landing for this revolutionary mode of transport.
The measure was authorized this week by Dubai’s Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who gave the green light to begin construction that will feature a modern design tailored to the urban landscape.
What the Dubai vertiport will be like
This vertiport, which will be located at Dubai International Airport, will have an estimated size of 3,100 square meters, with special areas for takeoff and landing, aircraft recharge, an exclusive space for air taxis, and a parking zone. According to reports, this site will accommodate 42,000 landings per year for 170,000 passengers annually.
Its construction will also feature a design that will conform to the urban landscape standards proposed by city authorities and will include the necessary amenities for all users. The vertiport will include air-conditioned facilities built to the highest safety standards.
When will the air taxi service in Dubai begin?
This project will be led by Joby Aviation, which will be in charge of designing the air taxis, operations, and passenger movement. Additionally, the company Skyports will participate, leading the design, construction, and operation of the vertiport. The air taxi service is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The Joby S4 air taxi is one of the models expected to start operating under this system. It is one of the first of its kind and is capable of taking off and landing vertically, while also meeting ecological standards and contributing to the city’s sustainable development. This vehicle has capacity for four passengers plus a pilot, and its mechanism generates less noise than a traditional helicopter.
What will the mode of operation of this mobility in Dubai be like?
The new and revolutionary mobility method in Dubai will operate from four strategic locations near Dubai International Airport, the city center, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. This service is presented as an ideal alternative for tourists and for those who want to move effectively, safely, and quickly in these enclaves.
With this system, trips will be optimized in terms of time and fuel savings. In this way, a trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take approximately 12 minutes. Furthermore, this service will include modes of public transportation such as electric scooters and bicycles. Earlier this year, the RTA signed an agreement to launch the air taxi service with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based leader in the development of advanced air mobility infrastructure.
