Exclusive: Skyports reveals launch date for Dubai flying taxis

The first fleet of flying taxis in Dubai will take off on March 31, 2026, according to CEO of Skyports Duncan Walker.

During an exclusive interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's Business Breakfast show on Monday, Walker confirmed that the first vertiport at the Dubai International Airport is nearly complete ahead of its official opening next January. 

Walker added that the Dubai Airports vertiport is "now at full helideck level, three floors in the air".

The other vertiports will be located at Palm Jumeirah, Marina and Dubai Mall, with two more at Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Jais and Wynn Resort in Al Marjan Island. 

Walker said construction in Ras Al Khaimah will begin next year with the launch planned for 2027 following an agreement between RAK Transport Authority, Joby and Skyports.

Tickets will be priced at around $200 (AED734.5) -$300 (AED1,101.7) per person, which Walker highlighted is a reasonable price compared to a taxi fare between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai. 

The flying taxis will also reduce travel time between the two Emirates from an-hour-and-a-half to 15-20 minutes. 

Vertiports will be accessible to all helicopters in efforts to support public transportation advancements in the UAE.

In terms of expanding to other emirates, the CEO of Skyports revealed signing an agreement with Ajman and discussions ongoing with authorities in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.