Dubai’s vision for a cutting-edge public transport system is on the verge of becoming a reality, with exciting developments on the horizon. The emirate’s first flying taxi station, or vertiport, is currently under construction at Dubai International Airport (DXB), with an anticipated completion date set for 2026. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, announced these plans through his official X account on November 12.
The DXB vertiport will be the first of four strategically positioned vertiports planned for the initial phase. This innovative initiative aims to facilitate rapid and convenient travel between key locations in the emirate, eliminating the need for traditional road transport. Once operational, Dubai will take the lead as the world’s first city to offer urban aerial transport through a sophisticated aerial taxi take-off and landing network.
The inaugural vertiport will cover an area of 3,100 square meters and is designed to accommodate up to 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually, along with provisions for aircraft charging. The first phase will also see the establishment of additional stations located in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai will oversee governance and integration with other transport modalities for this aerial taxi service, with the flying taxis being manufactured by JOBY Aviation. Passengers can expect swift flights lasting just 12 minutes, all at an affordable price point.
What is a Vertiport?
A vertiport serves a function similar to that of an airport, permitting vehicles—in this case, flying taxis—to take off and land. The term “verti” refers to the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of the aircraft, which means there is no need for a traditional runway, allowing operations in bustling urban settings.
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The flying taxis will feature space for a pilot and up to four passengers, capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. At the vertiport, the boarding and alighting process will be quick and efficient, with less stringent security checks compared to those found at DXB.
Manufacturers of the flying taxis claim that these vehicles will be environmentally friendly, producing no pollution during flight. They will be accessible for booking through Uber at prices comparable to an Uber Black ride. According to Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, this new aerial taxi service will be integrated seamlessly with various public transport options.
Al Tayer commented, “In the initial phase, the aerial taxi service will operate from four strategic locations near Dubai International Airport, as well as in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. This service offers Dubai residents and visitors a fresh, rapid, and secure transport alternative to major city destinations. For instance, a trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 12 minutes, a significant reduction from the typical 45-minute drive by car. Furthermore, the service will support integration with public transport systems and individual transport solutions like e-scooters and bicycles, enhancing multimodal transport and city-wide connectivity for a smoother travel experience.”
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