Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that the expansion of the city’s air taxi service will depend on strict safety and operational benchmarks before increasing flights across the emirate.
The authority said commercial operations are expected to begin before the end of 2026. However, the initial phase will be limited. Daily flights, operating hours and passenger capacity will be restricted to test safety, reliability and overall system performance.
RTA officials stated that expansion will be based on real operational data and measurable results, not fixed timelines. The phased approach is intended to ensure stable and secure operations before adding new routes.
The first phase of the service will connect four key locations:
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Dubai International Airport
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Dubai Marina
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Downtown Dubai
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Palm Jumeirah
These areas were selected due to high demand from residents and tourists. The service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between busy districts.
The aircraft to be used, known as the Joby air taxi, is fully electric and designed for vertical take-off and landing. It can travel up to 160 kilometres and reach speeds of 320 km/h. The aircraft produces no operational emissions and is quieter than traditional helicopters.
A major milestone was achieved in June 2025 when the operator completed Dubai’s first fully electric test flight, helping assess infrastructure readiness.
The air taxi service will be integrated with metro stations, taxis and shared mobility options. Passengers will be able to book flights through digital platforms, with plans to integrate the service into RTA mobility apps.
Officials said the goal is to build a safe, reliable and scalable urban air transport system while strengthening Dubai’s position in future mobility.
