Dubai conducts first manned air taxi flight

The first crewed flight of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi has been conducted in Dubai, it was announced on Tuesday.

The aircraft took off from Margham and landed at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

This was revealed to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, as he reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects designed to enhance the road network, public transport systems, aerial taxi services, and The Future Loop project that forms part of the Dubai Walk Master Plan.

Manned air taxi

Sheikh Hamdan was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), on the progress of the aerial taxi project. The project’s operational trials are being conducted by Joby Aviation Inc. in Dubai’s desert area. The company recently completed the first crewed flight of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi between two distinct locations.

This milestone marks a pivotal phase in expanding the scope of aerial taxi testing in Dubai to include operations within urban areas in the next stage, paving the way for the commencement of passenger transport services in 2026, in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

The aerial taxi is fully electric and environmentally friendly, offering exceptional standards of safety, comfort, and speed. It has been designed using the latest global technologies in the field and features six propellers and four independent battery packs, enabling a flight range of 160 km and a top speed of 320 km per hour. The aircraft accommodates four passengers in addition to the pilot.

Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the progress of constructing aerial taxi vertiports. Skyports Infrastructure is developing the first facility near Dubai International Airport (DXB), covering an area of 3,100 square metres across four levels. It comprises two floors for vehicle parking and two dedicated pads for take-off and landing, in addition to fully air-conditioned passenger facilities. Coordination is currently underway with property developers to develop additional vertiports within their respective projects.

Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai’s continued investment in infrastructure is an investment in its people and its future, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He noted that the emirate’s ongoing projects reflect a forward-looking strategy to create a connected, sustainable city powered by innovation. These efforts are central to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, ensuring that Dubai remains one of the world’s most liveable and dynamic cities, he noted. His Highness further emphasised that Dubai’s approach to urban development is rooted in long-term planning, agility, and a commitment to enhancing quality of life. By integrating technology and sustainability into every aspect of its infrastructure, Dubai continues to set new global benchmarks for smart and resilient city design, he added.