Imagine waking up on a random Tuesday and hailing a flying taxi to work. Sounds like the stuff of science fiction, right? Well, not for long—Dubai is on track to make this futuristic commute a reality by 2026.
The city is set to launch its flying taxi service, with the first commercial vertiport, named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), officially approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), DXV will be the cornerstone of a planned network of four vertiports across the city.
The 3,100-square-meter facility is designed to accommodate 170,000 passengers annually and handle 42,000 landings. The initial phase will connect key areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, reducing travel times significantly. For example, a trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 10-12 minutes compared to over 45 minutes by car during peak traffic.
The approval from the GCAA ensures the vertiport meets strict safety standards outlined in the UAE’s Vertiport Regulations, covering everything from layout to airspace considerations. Skyports Infrastructure, responsible for the vertiport’s development, has also outlined comprehensive safety strategies, including firefighting protocols for both battery and traditional fuel fires.
With global urban mobility experts like Skyports and Joby Aviation (the U.S.-based developer of the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) leading the way, Dubai is positioning itself as a pioneer in the rapidly growing air taxi industry. The fully electric air taxis promise sustainability, with zero emissions and quieter operations than traditional helicopters.
As the city gears up for the launch in early 2026, Dubai’s flying taxis could reshape how we think about commuting, setting a new standard for urban transportation. The future of air travel is just around the corner—and it’s arriving in Dubai first.
