Dubai’s DXV to launch world’s first flying taxi in 2026

The world’s first flying taxi is scheduled to take off from the Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) in 2026, after the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the UAE civil aviation authority, granted technical design approval for the first commercial vertiport to Skyports.

DXV, the facility’s interim name, was chosen for its proximity to Dubai International Airport (DXB). It is the first of four vertical ports that Skyports is developing in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation.

The vertiport is the first facility to receive design approval under the newly established UAE Vertiport Regulations. The GCAA’s approval allows Skyports to continue developing the DXV facility.

“The approval of the DXV Vertiport design advances the UAE’s leadership in adopting innovative aviation solutions. Aligned with the ambitious visions of the country’s leadership and supporting the Air Taxi Project set to launch in 2026, this project exemplifies our commitment to creating safe, secure and future-ready infrastructure,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA.

The UAE aviation authority said approving the design of DXV involved “a thorough assessment of critical factors,” including physical dimensions, layout, airspace considerations, the obstacle environment, and rescue and firefighting services.

The 3,100-square-meter facility will accommodate takeoffs, landings, aircraft charging, and parking. The vertiport is designed to handle around 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually.

DXV will also leverage cutting-edge technology to enable efficient takeoffs and landings, ushering in a new era of flying taxis.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the construction of the city’s first aerial taxi vertiport earlier in November.

Joby will handle aircraft manufacturing, operations, and passenger movement, while RTA will ensure governance and integration with other transport modes.

Joby applied for a certificate that will allow it to operate commercial air transport in the UAE last September. It signed an agreement with the RTA in February 2024 to launch an all-electric air taxi service in Dubai.

The eVTOL aircraft maker’s S4 Aerial taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 322km (200 miles) per hour. During rush hour, the aircraft can travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 30 minutes, compared to around two hours by car.

Read: Dubai begins construction of its first air taxi station near DXB