Dubai has embarked on the construction of its first vertiport for air taxis near Dubai International Airport (DXB), as announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. The 3,100-square-meter facility is expected to handle up to 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually once operational.
Initially, vertiports will be set up near DXB, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with the first air taxis set to launch in 2026. Authorities emphasize that this initiative seeks to position Dubai as the world’s first city offering urban air transportation.
The service promises to drastically reduce travel times; the commute from DXB to Palm Jumeirah, which can take over 45 minutes during peak traffic, could be reduced to just 10-12 minutes.
The project brings together global leaders in urban air mobility. Joby Aviation will oversee the manufacturing and operation of the aircraft, along with passenger transport services, while Skyports will design, build, and operate the vertiport infrastructure. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will manage integration with existing transit networks.
The Joby S4, a zero-emission electric air taxi capable of vertical takeoff and landing, will serve as the primary vehicle for Dubai’s air taxi fleet. Known for its safety, comfort, and reduced noise levels compared to traditional helicopters, the Joby S4 has a range of up to 161 km and a top speed of 321 km/h, with a capacity for four passengers plus a pilot.
