Dubai’s dream of launching a flying taxi service is nearing reality, as Joby Aviation recently completed its first piloted flight connecting two US airports within regulated airspace.
Joby plans to debut its commercial flying taxi service in Dubai by mid-2026. The recent piloted flight, spanning 12 minutes and covering 10 nautical miles, included a five-minute hold for air traffic management, showcasing the company’s strides toward US regulatory approval for commercial operations.
This piloted flight follows another successful trial at Joby’s facility located at the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, along the Dubai–Al Ain Road, conducted in June 2025. The aircraft executed several circuits over the facility and nearby desert areas.
The flight, conducted in FAA-controlled airspace, connected Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY) airports in California.
“Our flight from Marina to Monterey demonstrated the integration of our aircraft into the broader transport network and confirmed its readiness for initial service,” stated Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s president of aircraft development and manufacturing.
“Our extensive flight testing over the years has validated our aircraft’s capabilities under diverse conditions.”
Final Certification Steps
Joby has commenced the final assembly of its first aircraft for Type Inspection Authorisation (TIA) flight testing, a critical step toward obtaining FAA certification. The company plans to initiate flight tests with FAA pilots early next year. Post-certification, Joby intends to launch commercial services in the US, initially targeting Los Angeles and New York City.
Dubai is set to be the first international city to host Joby Aviation’s air taxi service.
In February 2024, Joby Aviation finalized an agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in 2026. The partnership also involves Skyports for the development of vertiports.
According to the company’s second-quarter report, the first vertiport at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is slated for completion in the first quarter of next year.
“Our vertiport network development in Dubai—a key element for commercial operations—is progressing well. The DXB vertiport, designed for simultaneous aircraft operations and swift passenger processing, is essential infrastructure scheduled for completion in Q1 2026,” the quarterly report states.
Additional vertiports will be located at Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina during the initial phase.
