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Dubai inaugurates pioneering electric air taxi station with Joby Aviation operations launching this year

architecture-design · 2026-04-17

Dubai authorities announced completion of what they describe as the world's first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi station. The facility spans 3,100 square meters across four floors and features two dedicated take-off pads, charging infrastructure, and a two-level parking structure. Located near Dubai International Airport, the station will serve as the primary hub for air taxi operations with capacity for 170,000 annual passengers. Commercial flights operated exclusively by California-based Joby Aviation are scheduled to begin before year's end under a six-year exclusive agreement. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, personally inspected the newly completed facility. Three additional flying taxi stations are currently in development plans for the emirate.

Key facts

  • Dubai completed its first flying taxi station on Thursday
  • The station is described as the world's first purpose-built eVTOL Air Taxi Station
  • The facility has 3,100 square meters across four floors
  • It includes two Air Taxi take-off and landing pads
  • The station can accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually
  • Commercial operations are expected to begin by the end of the year
  • Joby Aviation has exclusive rights to operate flights for six years
  • Three more flying taxi stations are planned

Entities

Artists

  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

Institutions

  • Joby Aviation
  • Dubai International Airport

Locations

  • Dubai
  • United Arab Emirates
  • California

Sources