Dubai is closer to launching the world’s first urban aerial taxi network in 2026, after RTA and Joby Aviation completed the UAE’s first crewed eVTOL flight between two locations. The 17-minute journey from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport took place during the Dubai Airshow 2025. RTA also revealed four key sites for future flying taxi services, strengthening Dubai’s lead in advanced air mobility.
RTA confirmed that Skyports Infrastructure has completed 60% of the first vertiport near Dubai International Airport, which will serve as the main hub for aerial taxi operations.
Additionally, three more vertiports will be built under new agreements with major developers:
- Emaar Properties: A vertiport at the Zabeel Dubai Mall parking area, supporting the Burj Khalifa district and the city’s busiest shopping destination.
- Atlantis The Royal: A station on Palm Jumeirah providing direct access to luxury resorts, beaches, and entertainment venues.
- Wasl Asset Management Group: A vertiport at Dubai Marina, located in the American University in Dubai (AUD) parking area, connecting a key residential district to major business zones such as Dubai Internet City.
- DXB Vertiport: The inaugural vertiport is nearing completion beside the Emirates headquarters, close to Dubai International Airport.
Together, these four sites create Dubai’s first aerial taxi corridor, delivering seamless links between the airport, major business hubs, popular beachfront destinations, and densely populated residential areas.
Dubai will launch the world’s first multilevel eVTOL station, a 3,100 sqm, four-floor hub with parking, maintenance, charging areas, and lounges. It is planned to support 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers yearly.
