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Dubai Flying Taxis Launch: Joby Aviation Begins Commercial Air Taxi Service — Routes, Pricing & How to Book in 2026

DD

DigitalDubai.ai

Editorial Team

Wednesday, February 11, 20263 min read
Key Takeaway

Dubai becomes the first city in the world to launch commercial electric air taxi service. Joby Aviation and RTA announce 6 vertiport locations including Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, DIFC, and DXB Airport. Fares start at AED 350 for a 15-minute flight covering 50km. Pre-bookings open March 2026.

Original reporting by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
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Dubai has made history by becoming the first city in the world to launch commercial electric air taxi services. In partnership with Joby Aviation, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated a network of 6 vertiports across the emirate, offering passengers a revolutionary way to travel. The initial routes connect Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah in just 4 minutes, with fares starting at AED 350.

This comprehensive guide covers all vertiport locations, route maps, pricing tiers, booking procedures, and safety certifications based on official RTA and Joby Aviation announcements.

🚁

Dubai Air Taxi Service — Now Live

World's first commercial air taxi. 6 vertiports, fares from AED 350, 4-minute Marina to Palm route. 50+ flights daily. Pre-booking via RTA app.

6
Vertiports
AED 350
Starting Fare
4 min
Marina to Palm
50+
Daily Flights

Vertiport Locations

Six strategically located vertiports now serve Dubai's key destinations:

🏖️

Dubai Marina Vertiport

Located at Marina Mall rooftop. Serves JBR, Marina, and Media City residents. Parking available.

🌴

Palm Jumeirah Vertiport

At Atlantis connector. Direct access to Palm hotels and residences. VIP lounge available.

🏢

DIFC Vertiport

Gate Avenue rooftop location. Premium business traveler services. Executive booking priority.

✈️

DXB Airport Vertiport

Terminal 3 connection. Skip traffic entirely. Direct downtown access in 8 minutes.

Routes & Pricing

Current operational routes and fare structure:

  • Marina → Palm Jumeirah: 4 minutes, AED 350 (vs 25 min by car)
  • DIFC → Marina: 6 minutes, AED 450 (vs 35 min by car)
  • DXB Airport → Downtown: 8 minutes, AED 550 (vs 45 min by car)
  • Palm → DIFC: 7 minutes, AED 500 (vs 40 min by car)
  • Downtown → Marina: 5 minutes, AED 400 (vs 30 min by car)
  • Airport → Palm: 12 minutes, AED 650 (vs 55 min by car)

Joby S4 Aircraft Specifications

  • Capacity: 4 passengers + 1 pilot
  • Range: 150 km on single charge
  • Speed: Up to 320 km/h
  • Noise Level: 65 dB (quieter than helicopter)
  • Safety: FAA & GCAA certified, redundant systems
  • Emissions: 100% electric, zero emissions

How to Book

Air taxi reservations are available through multiple channels:

  • RTA Dubai App: New "Air Taxi" section with real-time availability
  • Joby App: Dedicated booking with frequent flyer benefits
  • Careem Integration: Book via Careem app under "Premium" options
  • Hotel Concierge: 5-star hotels can book for guests
  • Advance Booking: Up to 7 days in advance recommended
  • Walk-ups: Available if seats are open (premium pricing)

"Today marks a historic moment for Dubai and global transportation. We are proud to launch the world's first commercial electric air taxi service. This is not a test or a pilot — this is real, daily service for residents and visitors. By 2028, we expect to operate 200 air taxis across 25 vertiports, serving over 1 million passengers annually."

— HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General & Chairman of RTA, February 2026

Expansion Plans (2026-2028)

  • Q3 2026: Add Abu Dhabi route (Dubai → Abu Dhabi in 25 minutes)
  • Q4 2026: Expo City and Dubai South vertiports open
  • 2027: Fleet expansion to 50 aircraft, 15 vertiports
  • 2028: 200 aircraft target, autonomous operations pilot
  • Pricing Target: AED 150 per trip by 2028 with scale
🌟

Experience the Future Today

Dubai's air taxi service is now operational. Skip the traffic and fly across the city in minutes. Perfect for business travelers, tourists, and anyone who values their time. Book your first flight via the RTA app.

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