• Dubai has completed the world’s first purpose-built flying taxi station
• Commercial flying taxi operations are expected to begin before the end of 2026
• The station includes four floors, two landing pads and dedicated charging infrastructure

Dubai has completed its first purpose-built flying taxi station, marking a major step towards launching commercial air taxi services before the end of 2026.

Authorities in the Gulf city announced the development on Thursday, April 16, describing the station as a major milestone in Dubai’s push towards futuristic and sustainable transportation.

During a visit to the facility, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, toured what officials called Dubai’s “first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Air Taxi Station”.

According to Dubai’s media office, the new station is the first facility of its kind anywhere in the world.

The four-storey structure spans 3,100 square metres and includes a two-level car park, two air taxi take-off and landing pads, and charging infrastructure for the aircraft.

Located close to Dubai International Airport, the station is expected to become “the main hub for Air Taxi operations” in the city.

Authorities said it will be capable of serving up to 170,000 passengers every year once operations begin.

The station is only the first phase of Dubai’s wider plans for air taxi transport.

Officials revealed that three additional flying taxi stations are already in the pipeline as the emirate works to create a connected urban air mobility network.

Commercial flights will be operated by California-based Joby Aviation, which has secured exclusive rights to run the service in Dubai for six years.

“The launch of the Air Taxi infrastructure marks an important step in adopting new, sustainable modes of transport and strengthening Dubai’s readiness for the decades ahead,” Sheikh Hamdan said in the statement.

Dubai has increasingly positioned itself as the Middle East’s leading business and tourism destination, while also investing heavily in smart city projects and next-generation transport systems.

The development comes despite recent regional tensions.

The UAE’s largest city has faced uncertainty in recent weeks following attacks launched by Iran against Gulf neighbours in response to a US-Israeli offensive.

However, a two-week ceasefire has since taken effect.

Emirates resumes Dubai–Lagos flights amid Middle East tensions

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges between Israel and Iran, Emirates had announced the resumption of its Dubai–Lagos–Dubai flight operations.

The airline confirmed that it would restart services after suspending flights last week due to widespread airspace disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in the region.

Sources familiar with the airline’s operations said that the resumption primarily aims to return stranded Nigerians in the UAE to their home country.