Dubai RTA Completes First Crewed eVTOL Aerial Taxi Flight with Joby

Dubai, UAE: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Joby Aviation, has completed the world’s first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi flight between two distinct locations within the UAE. The milestone flight departed from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham and landed 17 minutes later at Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central), coinciding with Dubai Airshow 2025.

This historic achievement positions Joby as the first company globally to operate a crewed point-to-point eVTOL flight in the UAE, setting the foundation for Dubai’s advanced aerial mobility network.

Vertiport Network Takes Shape

RTA announced that Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based leader in advanced aerial mobility infrastructure has completed 60% of construction on Dubai’s first vertiport near Dubai International Airport (DXB). This marks the world’s first purpose-built vertiport developed for commercial aerial taxi operations.

Additional vertiports will be integrated into upcoming real estate projects under agreements with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group, forming the core of Dubai’s initial aerial taxi network.

A Major Step Toward 2026 Passenger Service

Joby Aviation plans to scale up flight test operations in Dubai and begin passenger flights in 2026, working alongside RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS).

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said the achievement reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and aligns with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He stated: “The successful completion by Joby Aviation of the first aerial taxi flight between two distinct locations underscores the success of RTA’s operational framework for developing Dubai’s aerial mobility ecosystem and its capability to operate within a shared airspace.”

He added that the first-of-its-kind vertiport network will strengthen connectivity between major districts, business hubs, and tourist destinations, marking a new era of smart, sustainable mobility in Dubai.

Fast, Clean, and Quiet Urban Air Transport

Joby’s eVTOL aircraft is fully electric, producing zero emissions and operating at significantly lower noise levels than traditional helicopters. Key capabilities include:

• Range: up to 160 km
• Top speed: 320 km/h
• Capacity: 4 passengers + 1 pilot
• Configuration: six rotors, four battery packs
• Vertical take-off and landing: requires no runway or large landing spaces

The journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take about 10 minutes, compared with roughly 45 minutes by car.

Vertiport Infrastructure Nears Completion

Skyports’ main vertiport near DXB spans 3,100 sqm across four levels, including: -

• eVTOL take-off and landing pads
• Vehicle parking and charging areas
• Two levels dedicated to aircraft handling
• Fully air-conditioned passenger lounges and processing facilities

The hub is designed to handle around 42,000 landings annually, serving approximately 170,000 passengers.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, said: “With this pivotal milestone reached, we are witnessing a historic moment as Dubai positions itself to become the first city in the world to make advanced aerial mobility a tangible reality.”

Four Vertiports Planned for 2026 Launch

RTA’s agreements establish additional vertiports in:

• Dubai Mall Zabeel (Emaar Properties)
• Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah
• Dubai Marina (American University in Dubai, operated by Wasl)

Together with the DXB vertiport, these hubs form Dubai’s initial aerial taxi route network.

Joby will operate the aircraft, Skyports will manage the vertiports, and RTA will oversee governance and integration with Dubai’s broader transport ecosystem.

Commercial aerial taxi service is scheduled to officially begin in 2026.

Ongoing Testing and Sector Expansion

Joby continues its extensive flight test programme, including recent crewed eVTOL flight demonstrations in Margham, completed in collaboration with the DCAA, GCAA, and DANS.

The aerial taxi initiative is part of Dubai’s broader mobility vision,delivering zero-emission transport, faster intra-city movement, and seamless multimodal travel connected to scooters, e-bikes, metros, and buses.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said: “We’re making incredible progress as we look ahead to launching commercial passenger service in Dubai next year.”