Dubai Achieves Historic Milestone: World's First Crewed Electric Air Taxi Flight Takes Off, Commercial Service Set for 2026

Dubai Makes History with World's First Crewed Electric Air Taxi Flight

Dubai has officially etched its name in aviation history, successfully completing the world's inaugural crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air-taxi flight. This monumental achievement marks a significant stride towards launching commercial air taxi services by 2026, promising to revolutionize urban transportation.

On November 16, 2025, a partnership between Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation saw the eVTOL aircraft perform a point-to-point test flight between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This public demonstration, captured in clear video footage released by the Dubai Media Office, showcased the aircraft's vertical take-off, cruise capabilities, and safe landing, proving its operational viability. More test flights, certification processes, and the deployment of 'vertiports' are planned for 2025-2026, leading up to the highly anticipated commercial debut.

The Future Fleet: Joby Aviation S4

At the heart of Dubai's ambitious air-taxi program is the Joby Aviation S4 eVTOL. This advanced, all-electric aircraft boasts six rotors and four battery packs, designed for quiet operation and efficient city travel. With a top speed of 320 km/h and a range of approximately 160 km per charge, the S4 is perfectly suited for rapid urban hops. Each air taxi will comfortably accommodate a pilot and four passengers in a premium cabin, featuring panoramic windows and significantly lower noise levels compared to traditional helicopters.

Building the Vertiport Network

To facilitate this futuristic transport system, the RTA is actively developing a comprehensive network of dedicated vertiports. Initial locations include strategic hubs like Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina. The DXB vertiport, already 60% complete, is being engineered to manage an impressive 170,000 passengers annually. These strategically positioned vertiports are projected to drastically cut travel times; for instance, a journey that currently takes 45 minutes by ground could be completed in just 12 minutes by air.

While final pricing is yet to be confirmed, early estimates suggest fares will be around US$75, comparable to a premium ride-hailing service, with the long-term goal of becoming competitive with conventional taxis. Joby Aviation, which holds exclusive operating rights in Dubai for six years, has already conducted hundreds of successful piloted test flights globally. Future passengers will be able to book flights via a dedicated mobile app, benefiting from fast charging and quick turnarounds that ensure frequent daily operations. The entire ecosystem is being designed for a seamless, airport-like experience, integrating efficiently with existing public transport such as the metro, buses, and taxis, making air taxis a practical, everyday choice rather than a mere futuristic concept.

Qatar's Autonomous Leap in Urban Air Mobility

Interestingly, just prior to Dubai's crewed flight spectacle, neighboring Qatar made its own significant advancement in urban air mobility. On November 15, 2025, Qatar successfully trialed its first-ever urban passenger flight using a fully unmanned eVTOL. This pilotless demonstration, witnessed by the Minister of Transport, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, showcased an aircraft operating entirely on a self-control system powered by AI and advanced air navigation technologies. The flight between Old Doha Port and Katara Cultural Village is a key part of Qatar’s MoT Strategy 2025-2030, aiming for a smart, resilient, and carbon-reducing transportation system aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.