Hamdan Bin Mohammed Approves Construction Of Dubai’s First Aerial Taxi Vertiport Near International Airport
Dubai is set to become the first city globally to offer urban aerial transport. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the construction of Dubai's initial aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport. This project aims to create a network for advanced aerial taxi take-offs and landings, enhancing urban mobility.
The vertiport will cover 3,100 square metres and feature zones for take-off, landing, aircraft charging, and parking. It is designed to handle about 42,000 landings annually, serving around 170,000 passengers each year. The facility's modern design aligns with Dubai's urban landscape, providing a unique travel experience.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is an eco-friendly electric vehicle capable of vertical take-off and landing. It features six rotors and four battery packs, allowing it to fly up to 161 kilometres at speeds reaching 321 km/h. With room for four passengers plus a pilot, it operates quietly compared to traditional helicopters.
Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer of RTA and other officials upon arriving at RTA headquarters. JoeBen Bevert from Joby Aviation and Damien Kisly from SkyPorts were also present. They are key partners in this initiative, with Joby Aviation handling aircraft production and Skyports managing infrastructure design and construction.
The initial phase will see the aerial taxis operating from four strategic locations: near Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. This service offers a fast and secure transport option across key areas in the city.
Al Tayer highlighted that a trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take approximately 12 minutes by aerial taxi compared to 45 minutes by car. This service will integrate with public transport modes like e-scooters and bicycles to enhance connectivity across the city.
Collaborative Efforts for Urban Mobility
Earlier this year, RTA signed an agreement with several entities including the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). Skyports Infrastructure from the UK and US-based Joby Aviation are also part of this collaboration aimed at launching the aerial taxi service.
A presentation on the vertiport’s design was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. The design reflects Dubai’s iconic urban aesthetic while ensuring user comfort through air-conditioned facilities built to global safety standards.
The aerial taxi service is expected to commence in Q1 2026. RTA will oversee governance and integration with other transport modes while collaborating with international operators for seamless operations.
With inputs from WAM
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