Dubai has reached a major milestone in urban mobility with the completion of its first flying taxi station, paving the way for commercial operations to begin by the end of this year, authorities announced on Thursday.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, visited the facility, which is described as the "first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Air Taxi Station" in the world.

Spanning four floors with a total area of 3,100 square metres, the hub features two dedicated take-off and landing pads, a two-level car park, and specialized charging infrastructure.

Located near Dubai International Airport, the station is set to serve as the primary hub for air taxi operations, boasting a capacity to accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually.

This facility is the first of four planned stations designed to transform the city's transport landscape.

The flights will be operated by the California-based Joby Aviation, which has secured exclusive operating rights for six years.

Highlighting the project's significance, Sheikh Hamdan stated, “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.”

While Dubai continues to solidify its status as a regional business and tourism powerhouse, the announcement comes as the city emerges from a period of regional tension.

The emirate has faced recent attacks launched by Iran in retaliation for a US-Israeli offensive, though a two-week ceasefire is currently in effect, allowing the city to refocus on its ambitious infrastructure goals.

Source: AFP