Dubai links the expansion of the “air taxi” to operational performance indicators that enhance the safety and satisfaction of customers

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has linked the expansion of the operation of the “air taxi” service to the results of specific operational performance indicators, including safety, readiness, regularity of flights, customer satisfaction, and efficiency of integration with the transportation system, as part of its preparations to launch the commercial operation of the service before the end of 2026, within the framework of a phased operating model that determines the pace of expansion based on the actual results of performance.

In this regard, the Authority confirmed that the first phase will begin with a limited scope in terms of the number of daily flights, operating hours, and capacity, with the aim of testing operational readiness and ensuring service stability before increasing capacity and number of routes, noting that the results of field measurement will form the basis for approving any subsequent expansion.

She added that the project represents a qualitative step to actually introduce urban air transport into the public transportation network, which enhances movement efficiency and contributes to reducing travel time and supporting Dubai’s trends in smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

She explained that commercial operation is subject to completing comprehensive regulatory, technical and operational requirements in coordination with the competent authorities, to ensure the provision of safe and reliable service in accordance with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

She indicated that the service will start at 4 main stations, including Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah, due to its strategic, economic and tourism importance and the high expected demand for it.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority noted that the operating company conducted the first test flight of the fully electric aircraft within the emirate in June 2025, in a step that supported the readiness of the system and paved the way for the launch of commercial operation.

She revealed that the “Gobi Air Taxi” is distinguished by its ability to take off and land vertically, with a flight range of up to 160 kilometers and a speed of up to 320 kilometers per hour, and it is completely electric, without operational emissions and with low noise levels, which makes it suitable for the urban environment.

The authority confirmed that the service was designed to be an integrated part of the transportation system, by linking take-off and landing sites with metro stations and providing connectivity to taxis and public transportation, allowing customers to complete their trips within one connected path.

She added that booking and using the service will be done through smart digital platforms that allow advance booking, electronic payment, and provision of trip instructions, with gradual linking to the authority’s applications, in support of a smooth and integrated user experience.

The Authority indicated that this phased operational model aims to provide an integrated and effective urban air transport service that contributes to enhancing the quality of life and consolidating Dubai’s position among the first cities in the world to implement future transportation solutions.

In early 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority had signed an agreement to launch the air taxi service, with the General Authority of Civil Aviation in the country, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the British company Skyports Infrastructure, a leader in developing advanced air transport infrastructure, and Joby Aviation, which specializes in the advanced air transport sector, making Dubai the first city in the world to enjoy air transport in urban areas, through an advanced vertical take-off and landing network. For air taxi.

Thus, Dubai is moving steadily towards the commercial operation of the air taxi service to consolidate its position as a city of the future, and a global center for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, combining efficient infrastructure and high quality of life.

The “air taxi” will contribute to enhancing integration with the various means of public transportation in the Emirate of Dubai, and individual means of transportation such as electric scooters and bicycles, facilitating multimodal transportation, enhancing connectivity across the city, and providing a smooth journey for passengers.