The future of travel is about to take off literally. Dubai has officially announced the exact date when flying taxis will start operations, and it’s much sooner than most people expected.
Skyports Infrastructure, the company building Dubai’s futuristic vertiports, has confirmed that flying taxi services will launch on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
These air taxis will take off from Dubai International Airport’s new vertiport, marking a new chapter in urban transportation.
When and Where Will Flying Taxis Start?
The first phase of operations will begin in March 2026, starting from Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Skyports CEO Duncan Walker revealed during an interview on Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast Show that the Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) is now at its final construction stage and ready to begin operations at the start of next year.
According to Walker, four main vertiports are currently under construction across the city:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Downtown Dubai (Dubai Mall)
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah
These locations will serve as key hubs for quick and efficient travel around the city without the need to drive.
Inside Dubai’s First Vertiport
The DXB Vertiport will be a 3,100-square-meter facility designed for fast boarding and landing. It can handle:
- 42,000 landings per year
- 170,000 passengers annually
- Multiple aircraft movements at once
The vertiport has been approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which also gave permission for flying taxis to use existing helipads across the city.
This means that you might start spotting flying taxis taking off from familiar helipads as early as early 2026.
Test Flights and Government Support
In June 2025, Joby Aviation, in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), completed the first successful flying taxi test flight in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, first announced the vertiport plans back in November 2024.
The vision is clear to make Dubai the first city in the world to offer a fully functional urban air taxi service.
Phase One: Connecting Dubai’s Key Destinations
In the first phase, passengers will be able to fly between:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah
Each flight will take just 12 minutes compared to a 45-minute car ride between the same destinations.
This means travelers could land at Dubai International Airport and reach their hotel at Palm Jumeirah in under 15 minutes.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Although official fares haven’t been released yet, the cost of a flying taxi ride is expected to be similar to an Uber Black.
Bookings will likely be available through ride-hailing apps like Uber, making it easy for both residents and visitors to use.
The vehicles will:
- Carry 1 pilot + 4 passengers
- Reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 km/h)
- Operate without producing emissions
- Offer fast boarding and minimal security checks
Each trip will take only a few minutes from boarding to take-off, offering unmatched convenience for short-distance travel.
What Exactly Is a Vertiport?
A vertiport is like a small airport, but designed for vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOLs) meaning the flying taxis can take off straight up without needing a runway.
This makes it perfect for busy city areas, where space is limited and fast transport is essential.
At these vertiports, passengers will check in, board, and take off all within minutes.
Why Dubai Is Leading the Way
Dubai has always been known for innovation from the world’s tallest building to driverless metro trains.
Now, with this new step, it’s set to become the world’s first city with an operational air taxi network.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of RTA, the flying taxi system will integrate with other modes of transport such as metro, trams, buses, e-scooters, and bicycles, making it a key part of Dubai’s smart mobility plan.
He explained:
“In the initial phase, the aerial taxi service will operate from four strategic locations close to Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
This service provides residents and visitors with a new, rapid, and secure way to travel across the city.”
Travel Time Comparison
| Route | By Car | By Air Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Airport → Palm Jumeirah | 45 mins | 12 mins |
| Dubai Marina → Downtown Dubai | 30 mins | 8 mins |
| DXB → Dubai Mall | 25 mins | 7 mins |
A Cleaner and Smarter Future
The flying taxis will be fully electric, producing zero emissions during flight. This makes them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cars or helicopters.
They will also support Dubai’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint and creating a sustainable, high-tech transport network for the future.
What Happens Next?
With the official launch date set for March 31, 2026, all eyes are on Dubai as construction wraps up and test operations continue.
Once live, Dubai will become the first city in the world where passengers can book a flying taxi through an app and reach their destination in minutes.
In Summary
- Launch Date: March 31, 2026
- First Vertiport: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Other Locations: Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah
- Travel Time: 12 minutes (DXB to Palm Jumeirah)
- Speed: Up to 200 mph
- Passengers: 1 pilot + 4 passengers
- Eco-friendly: Fully electric and emission-free
The Future Is in the Sky
With the countdown now on, Dubai is once again proving that innovation has no limits. Soon, you’ll be able to skip traffic jams, soar across the skyline, and reach your destination faster than ever all while enjoying a clean, futuristic ride in the sky.