Dubai Unveils World’s First Purpose-Built Air Taxi Station, Paving the Way for Commercial Services by Year-End
Dubai has inaugurated the world’s first dedicated Air Taxi station, marking a significant advancement in the emirate’s ambition to lead in urban mobility solutions. This facility, strategically located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), is poised to serve as the primary hub for air taxi operations in the city.
Overview of the Air Taxi Station
The newly completed station spans 3,100 square meters and is equipped with two take-off and landing pads designed for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It includes dedicated charging infrastructure, climate-controlled passenger amenities, and a two-storey car park, with a capacity to accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, inspected the facility, emphasizing its role in reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for innovation and future-ready solutions.
Vision for Urban Mobility
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the completion of the Air Taxi station aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. This initiative aims to enhance Dubai’s position as a model for integrated and sustainable mobility.
In conjunction with the inaugural World Public Transport Day on April 17, Sheikh Hamdan stated that Dubai is committed to expanding its transport options, which include metro, buses, and now air mobility. He reiterated the importance of developing a multi-level transport ecosystem that leverages advanced technologies to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Key Stakeholders and Development
During the site visit, Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by notable figures, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The project is being executed by Skyports Infrastructure, a firm specializing in advanced air mobility infrastructure, while Joby Aviation oversees aircraft manufacturing and flight operations.
The four-storey station adheres to international safety standards and is designed to integrate seamlessly with Dubai’s broader transport network, managed by the RTA.
Future of Air Taxi Services
Mattar Al Tayer remarked that the station’s completion is a pivotal step towards the launch of air taxi services, demonstrating Dubai’s readiness to adopt advanced air mobility technologies. He noted that this milestone corresponds with the leadership’s vision to position Dubai among the world’s top cities for quality of life and innovative transport solutions.
The RTA is on track for the commercial launch of air taxi services by the end of this year. Travel time from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is projected to be approximately 10 minutes, a significant reduction from the 45 minutes required by car.
Integration with Existing Transport Networks
The air taxi service will be integrated with existing public transport systems, including the metro and buses, as well as individual mobility options such as electric scooters and bicycles. This integration aims to facilitate seamless multimodal journeys and enhance traffic flow throughout the emirate.
Anthony El-Khoury from Joby Aviation noted that the station’s completion signifies a major milestone in the operational rollout in Dubai. Duncan Walker of Skyports Infrastructure described the facility as a historic advancement in urban transport.
The Joby Air Taxi, a fully electric aircraft, is designed to produce zero operational emissions and is significantly quieter than traditional helicopters. Joby previously conducted the UAE’s first piloted point-to-point air taxi flight in November 2025, followed by extensive testing in high-temperature desert conditions.
Expansion Plans
The RTA has announced plans for additional Air Taxi stations in key locations such as Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. This expansion will bring the total number of planned stations to four, establishing an initial network for the air taxi service.
Under a partnership agreement with the RTA, Joby has secured exclusive rights to operate Air Taxi services in Dubai for six years and is in the process of building a local workforce to support these commercial operations.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-04-16 21:39:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk