Dubai has marked a major milestone in urban air mobility with the successful completion of the first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi flight between two distinct locations in the UAE.
The 17-minute journey from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport coincided with the Dubai Airshow 2025, showcasing the city’s growing leadership in sustainable transport innovation.
The flight was conducted by Joby Aviation in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), making Joby the first company worldwide to complete a crewed eVTOL flight between two UAE locations. The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader vision to integrate aerial taxis into its urban transport network.
RTA confirmed that Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based advanced aerial mobility specialist, has completed 60% of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport. Additional vertiports will be established within projects by Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group, creating a network for the planned 2026 launch of commercial aerial taxi services.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, highlighted the milestone as a reflection of Dubai’s commitment to smart and sustainable mobility, positioning the emirate as a global hub for advanced transport technologies. JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, added that the city is now closer than ever to making urban air transport a daily reality for residents and visitors.
Joby’s aerial taxi, powered entirely by electric energy, accommodates four passengers and a pilot, offers a range of 160 kilometres, and reaches speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour. The VTOL design allows operations in dense urban areas with minimal noise, offering a faster alternative to traditional road transport.
The vertiport network and ongoing flight tests aim to integrate aerial taxis with Dubai’s broader transport ecosystem, enhancing connectivity across key business districts, tourist destinations, and residential hubs.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
