Sheikh Hamdan Inaugurates World’s First Purpose-Built Air Taxi Vertiport at Dubai International

Sheikh Hamdan reviews the world's first purpose-built eVTOL station in Dubai. Commercial air taxi flights to Palm Jumeirah set for 10-minute transit by 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 10:11 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Dubai Media Office and Arabian Business

The Breaking Development

Dubai has officially completed the construction of the world’s first purpose-built air taxi station, located adjacent to Dubai International Airport (DXB). Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, reviewed the facility this week, hailing it as a "strategic leap" for the emirate’s urban mobility goals. The completion of this vertiport marks the transition from conceptual planning to physical infrastructure, positioning Dubai as the first city globally to possess a permanent, dedicated terminal for commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Background and Context

The project is a central pillar of Dubai’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) strategy, which aims to provide a sustainable, high-speed alternative to traditional ground transportation. Developed by Skyports Infrastructure in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the station spans 3,100 square meters and features two landing pads alongside high-speed charging infrastructure. The facility is designed to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually, offering a climate-controlled terminal experience that mimics premium airline lounges while integrating seamlessly with the existing DXB transport interchange.

Key Players and Stakeholders

Operational responsibility for the air taxi service rests with Joby Aviation, a California-based aerospace company that holds exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for an initial six-year period. Joby’s S4 aircraft, a piloted five-seater designed for zero-operating emissions, will undergo final localized testing at the new hub. The RTA will oversee the regulatory integration of these flights into the city’s airspace, ensuring that air taxi routes are synchronized with the Dubai Metro and public bus networks to create a truly multi-modal transit ecosystem.