UAE’s first flying taxi vertiport in Dubai to open by 2026
DXV to support 10 eVTOL landings per hour and 170,000 passengers annually
Dubai’s vision for a groundbreaking aerial taxi network has reached a significant milestone with the approval of the UAE’s first commercial vertiport.
The Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), located adjacent to Dubai International Airport (DXB), has secured technical design approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Scheduled to begin commercial air taxi operations in early 2026, DXV will serve as the first of four strategically positioned vertiports in Dubai. Developed by Skyports Infrastructure in partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and US-based Joby Aviation, the facility is the first to meet the newly established UAE Vertiport Regulations.
The approval confirms that DXV meets all required safety and design standards for urban air mobility.
Dubai International Vertiport
DXV’s approval highlights Dubai’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance urban transport. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, stated, "This approval supports the Air Taxi Project, set to launch in 2026, reinforcing the UAE’s dedication to building safe, secure, and innovative infrastructure." The DXV vertiport is designed to accommodate both electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and traditional helicopters, providing a comprehensive solution for aerial mobility.
Spanning 3,100 square metres across three storeys, the DXV facility will handle up to 170,000 passengers annually, with an expected 42,000 landings per year. Equipped with two landing areas and advanced fast-charging technology, DXV is capable of supporting up to 10 aircraft landings per hour, ensuring smooth operations for the air taxi fleet.
As soon as 2025, we plan to offer an air taxi service for residents and visitors of Dubai through our exclusive right to operate in the Emirate. pic.twitter.com/hK1lS3z5y9
— Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) April 23, 2024
How DXV will benefit Dubai
Skyports and the RTA’s vision extends beyond DXV, with plans for three additional vertiports in high-traffic areas such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. These locations will reduce travel times significantly, providing a fast and efficient alternative to ground transport. For example, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 10 to 12 minutes by air taxi, compared to up to 45 minutes by car during peak hours.
Designed with scalability in mind, DXV will have the capacity for future expansion as demand increases. This flexibility ensures that the infrastructure can grow alongside the anticipated rise in passenger numbers and air taxi operations.
Cutting-edge aircraft
The aerial taxis operating from DXV will be the Joby S4, a state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft designed for urban air mobility. Capable of carrying up to four passengers and a pilot, the S4 is equipped with six rotors and four battery packs, offering a range of up to 161 kilometres and a top speed of 321 km/h. The aircraft’s ultra-quiet operation – at just 45 decibels, quieter than a typical rainfall – will reduce noise pollution, making it an ideal mode of transport in urban environments.
The electric air taxis will operate with zero emissions, supporting Dubai’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground transport. Built by Joby Aviation, the S4 aircraft is currently in advanced stages of certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is awaiting approval from the GCAA for operations in the UAE.
A transformative project
As construction of the DXV vertiport progresses, Dubai is poised to become a global leader in urban aerial mobility. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the project aligns with the city’s broader vision for innovation, sustainability, and future transport solutions.
With the DXV vertiport, Dubai is set to launch the world’s first urban aerial transport system, offering passengers a fast, quiet, and environmentally friendly mode of travel that will redefine urban mobility.