Dubai just got a step closer to flying taxis becoming part of daily life. The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the first successful air taxi test flight, carried out in partnership with Joby Aviation, a company based in the US that makes electric aircraft.
The trial is part of a plan to launch commercial air taxi services in Dubai. These small electric aircraft take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, and are designed for short city trips. The idea is to cut down on traffic and emissions, while making commutes quicker and quieter.
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If all goes to plan, you could one day fly from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in under 10 minutes — no traffic, no delays.
The full rollout isn’t happening just yet. There’s still more testing, approvals, and infrastructure to build, but Dubai aims to have air taxis in operation by 2026. For now, the focus is on making sure everything is safe, practical, and ready for public use.
This trial flight is a big milestone, and a sign that flying around the city might be more than just a sci-fi dream.
