Dubai has officially entered the era of urban air mobility with the launch of Joby Aviation's commercial flying taxi service — making it the first city globally to offer regular electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) passenger flights. The service, operated in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), connects Dubai International Airport to key destinations across the city in under 10 minutes.
This comprehensive guide covers routes, pricing, booking procedures, and what to expect from your first flying taxi experience in Dubai, based on official RTA and Joby Aviation announcements.
Dubai Flying Taxi Service — Now Operational
4 passengers per flight, 150 mph cruising speed, 100+ mile range, zero emissions. Routes from DXB Airport to Palm Jumeirah in 8 minutes vs 45 minutes by car.
Available Routes and Flight Times
Joby Aviation has launched with four initial routes, with expansion planned throughout 2026:
DXB → Palm Jumeirah
8 minutes flight time. Vertiport at Atlantis The Royal. AED 500 per seat.
DXB → Downtown Dubai
6 minutes flight time. Vertiport near Burj Khalifa. AED 450 per seat.
DXB → Dubai Marina
10 minutes flight time. Vertiport at JBR. AED 550 per seat.
DIFC → Palm Jumeirah
5 minutes flight time. Business district connection. AED 400 per seat.
How to Book a Flying Taxi
Booking is available through multiple channels:
- Joby App: Download the official Joby Aviation app (iOS and Android)
- RTA Dubai App: Integrated booking within the S'hail mobility app
- Hotel Concierge: Premium hotels can book directly for guests
- Airport Kiosk: Walk-up bookings at DXB Terminal 3
What's Included in Your Flight
- Up to 1 carry-on bag (max 10kg) per passenger
- Noise-canceling headphones for the journey
- Complimentary water and refreshments
- Ground transfer options at destination vertiport
- Full travel insurance coverage
The Joby S4 Aircraft
The service operates using Joby's S4 all-electric aircraft, specifically designed for urban air mobility:
- Configuration: 1 pilot + 4 passengers
- Range: 100+ miles on a single charge
- Speed: Up to 200 mph, cruising at 150 mph
- Noise: 100x quieter than helicopters during flyover
- Safety: FAA and GCAA certified, redundant flight systems
"Dubai has been an exceptional partner in bringing air taxis to reality. The regulatory framework, infrastructure investment, and vision for future mobility made this the ideal launch city. We're proud to be part of Dubai's transportation revolution."
— Joby Aviation CEO, Launch Event February 2026Future Expansion Plans
RTA and Joby Aviation have announced ambitious expansion plans for 2026-2027:
- Q2 2026: Expo City Dubai vertiport opens
- Q3 2026: Dubai South / Al Maktoum Airport connection
- Q4 2026: Abu Dhabi cross-emirate service launches
- 2027: 25+ vertiports across Dubai, autonomous operations begin testing
Book Your First Flight
Early adopter pricing available through March 2026. Download the Joby app or book through S'hail to experience the future of urban mobility.
