Dubai aims to beat the traffic with 2026 Joby air taxi liftoff

Dubai hosted the first piloted test flight of Joby Aviation's fully-electric air taxi on Monday, ahead of its official commercial launch in 2026.

It's the first in-market series of flight tests following initial trials in California earlier this year and included vertical takeoff and precise landing sequences.

The California-based company says its flagship aerial taxi can carry one pilot and four passengers, reach speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour, and fly approximately 160 kilometers per charge.

This could reduce the trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to 12 minutes, down from a 45-minute drive by car.