Dubai has completed its first purpose-built Air Taxi station, marking a significant step in the emirate’s ambition to lead the future of urban mobility and accelerate the rollout of electric air transport services.

The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a visit to the site near Dubai International Airport. The project, developed by Skyports Infrastructure, is set to serve as the central hub for Air Taxi operations in the city.

Sheikh Hamdan said the completion of the station reflects Dubai’s ambition to position itself as a global model for integrated and sustainable mobility, particularly as the city marked the first edition of World Public Transport Day on April 17.

“Today, we take another step forward with the completion of the first Air Taxi station, reaffirming our commitment to shaping the future of mobility,” he said.

“Expanding transport options—from the metro and buses to smart and air mobility—remains central to building a global city that puts people first.”

He added that Dubai remains committed to developing an integrated, multi-layered transport ecosystem powered by advanced technologies, while expanding options for residents and visitors to enhance quality of life and improve overall efficiency.

The station is the first of its kind globally and has been purpose-built to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It comprises a four-story building spanning 3,100 square meters, along with a two-level car park, two take-off and landing pads, dedicated charging infrastructure, and climate-controlled passenger facilities.

Once operational, the facility is expected to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually.

Accompanying Sheikh Hamdan during the visit was Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, along with senior officials including Mattar Al Tayer, Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Duncan Walker, and Anthony El-Khoury.

According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the station has been developed in line with international safety standards. Skyports Infrastructure is responsible for designing, building, and operating the facility, while Joby Aviation will oversee aircraft manufacturing, passenger operations, and service delivery. The RTA will supervise governance and integration with Dubai’s wider transport network.

Mattar Al Tayer said the completion of the station marks an important milestone ahead of the planned commercial launch of Air Taxi services later this year.

“The Air Taxi will provide a distinctive new mobility option for residents and visitors seeking fast, seamless, and safe travel between key destinations across Dubai,” he said.

He added that the project reflects Dubai’s regulatory readiness and its ability to integrate next-generation mobility technologies into the city’s transport system.

Under current plans, the journey between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 10 minutes by Air Taxi, compared with approximately 45 minutes by car.

Anthony El-Khoury, General Manager for the UAE at Joby Aviation, described the station’s completion as a major milestone in the rollout of commercial Air Taxi services.

“We look forward to beginning commercial flights and delivering fast, quiet, and sustainable air travel for Dubai’s residents and visitors,” he said.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, said the station is now technically ready to accommodate eVTOL flights.

“With the world’s first commercial station now in a technical position to support eVTOL operations, we are witnessing aviation history in the making,” he said.

The electric Air Taxi developed by Joby Aviation is designed for vertical take-off and landing and operates with zero operational emissions. It is also significantly quieter than a conventional helicopter, with the company stating that noise levels can be up to 100 times lower.

The station’s completion follows a year of testing and operational scaling by Joby in the UAE. In November 2025, the company completed the country’s first piloted point-to-point Air Taxi flight—a 17-minute journey from its Margham test facility to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Joby also conducted 21 piloted flights during the summer to assess aircraft performance in desert conditions, gathering data on thermal management, flight dynamics, and certification requirements for the region.

The company is now pursuing a dual certification strategy in the UAE, using FAA-validated data to support commercial operations in Dubai while working alongside the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority during the final stages of US type certification.

Previously, the RTA announced plans for three additional Air Taxi stations in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. By 2026, the network is expected to expand to four stations across the city.

Under its agreement with the RTA, Joby Aviation holds exclusive rights to operate Air Taxi services in Dubai for six years. The company has also established a local operating entity and plans to recruit the majority of its pilots and operational staff from within the UAE.