Dubai has finished construction of its first purpose-built Air Taxi station, a major infrastructure milestone in the emirate’s strategy to launch electric air transport services. The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a site visit near Dubai International Airport. The project, developed by Skyports Infrastructure and set to be operated by Joby Aviation, moves Dubai closer to its goal of reshaping urban mobility.
Quick Facts
- First purpose-built electric air taxi station globally.
- Reduces 45-minute car trips to just 10 minutes.
- Network of four stations planned by 2026.
A Vertiport Built for the Future
The new station is the first of its kind in the world designed specifically for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The facility includes a four-story building, two take-off and landing pads, dedicated charging infrastructure, and passenger lounges. Once operational, the hub is projected to serve up to 170,000 passengers annually.
“Expanding transport options—from the metro and buses to smart and air mobility—remains central to building a global city that puts people first,” said Sheikh Hamdan, highlighting the project’s role in creating an integrated, multi-layered transport ecosystem.
The electric aircraft, developed by Joby Aviation, operates with zero emissions and is designed to be significantly quieter than a conventional helicopter.
RTA, Skyports, and Joby: A Three-Pronged Approach
The launch is a collaboration between three key entities. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will provide the governance and ensure the service integrates with the city’s wider transport network. Skyports Infrastructure was responsible for designing, building, and operating the physical station, while Joby Aviation will manage aircraft manufacturing and passenger service delivery.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, noted that the station’s completion is a critical step before the planned commercial launch later this year.
“The Air Taxi will provide a distinctive new mobility option for residents and visitors seeking fast, seamless, and safe travel between key destinations across Dubai,” Al Tayer stated.
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, confirmed the facility is now ready for operations. “With the world’s first commercial station now in a technical position to support eVTOL operations, we are witnessing aviation history in the making,” he said.
Scaling the Network Across the Emirate
This station is the first piece of a larger network. The RTA has already announced plans for three additional Air Taxi stations located in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. The network is expected to grow to four active stations by 2026.
The initial route will connect Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah, a journey expected to take about 10 minutes by air taxi compared to 45 minutes by car.
Joby Aviation holds the exclusive rights to operate air taxi services in Dubai for six years. The company has been actively testing in the UAE, conducting multiple piloted flights to assess aircraft performance in desert conditions and gather critical data for regional certification.
Anthony El-Khoury, General Manager for the UAE at Joby Aviation, called the station’s completion a major milestone. “We look forward to beginning commercial flights and delivering fast, quiet, and sustainable air travel for Dubai’s residents and visitors,” he said.
About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation is a California-based aerospace company developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft intended for use as a commercial passenger air taxi service. The company is pursuing dual certification in the UAE and the US and holds a six-year exclusive agreement with Dubai’s RTA to operate air taxi services in the emirate.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
