Sheikh Hamdan: Dubai completes first flying taxi test flight
Dubai has announced that it has completed its first flying taxi test flight.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE revealed the milestone on social media.
The test flight marks a major step towards a full launch of the flying taxi service in Dubai – which is scheduled to arrive in 2026.
It was the region's first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi and was conducted as part of a collaboration between Joby Aviation, the company behind the futuristic mode of transport, and the city's Roads and Transport Authority.
The all-electric taxi will reduce travel times between four key locations in Dubai when it officially launches. The first vertiports will be placed at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
Travel times will be significantly reduced between these four busy locations and rates are said to be comparable to an Uber Black.
A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 12 minutes as opposed to the approximate 45 minutes that a car takes.
Dubai has successfully completed the region's first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. Conducted through a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation, the test flight marks a major step toward launching full operations next year. The all-electric… pic.twitter.com/HPknqvNBwD
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) June 30, 2025
Sheikh Hamdan explained the many benefits the new mode of transport will bring to Dubai skies.
He said: 'The all-electric aerial taxi represents a new leap in eco-friendly urban mobility — reducing travel times, enhancing quality of life, and advancing sustainable development.
'This pioneering initiative is part of the UAE's broader vision to lead the world in innovation and the deployment of advanced technologies.
'Our nation's skies have opened to new possibilities, and the best is yet to come.'
Plans revealed in 2024 stated that the flying taxis will be able to carry a pilot plus four passengers and fly at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has begun mapping out air corridors for flying taxis (Credit: WAM)
With six rotors on each aircraft, there's an additional bit of security when flying as opposed to the one rotor in a helicopter.
Eventually, according to Joby Aviation, it is hoped that taking a ride in a flying taxi will be as common as riding the bus.
In February, the UAE Civil Aviation Authority revealed that it is in the process of mapping out air corridors for aerial taxis to fly through in Dubai.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, said that aerial taxis will be integrated with the rest of the public transport service.
He said: 'The aerial taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city.
'A journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for example, is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car.
'The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across the city, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.'
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