Forget self-driving cars, it’s time for flying taxis, says the UAE and China

The new year is bringing new travelling options, making trips much shorter. A 37-kilometer trip in 10 minutes instead of 45? It’s already been tested out.

China and the United Arab Emirates are taking the lead in offering consumers flying taxi services.

Joby Aviation, an aviation company, is developing an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft that will operate as an air taxi.

The US company plans to launch its services in Dubai, where it has signed a six-year contract with the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). This authority is responsible for Dubai’s transport and traffic projects.

In November 2025, Joby demonstrated the taxi’s capabilities at the Dubai Airshow, according to Nikkei Asia.

The electric aircraft, equipped with six propellers, made a 15-minute trip from Al Maktoum International Airport to the outskirts of Dubai.

The aircraft has five seats and two screens that display the altitude and attitude of the flight.

It’s been reported that a 37-kilometer trip from the city’s airport to the islands of Palm Jumeirah would take around 10 minutes with a flying taxi. The same distance by car would take from 45 minutes to an hour.

Such a trip could cost around 350 dirhams or $95.

Another company, Archer Aviation, plans to launch a flying taxi service in Abu Dhabi this year.

Sky taxi services may also soon be available in China.

EHang, a Chinese company that develops and manufactures autonomous aerial vehicles, plans to fly tourists.

Its two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operates without a pilot.

While driving a flying car remains a dream for now, due to regulatory and infrastructure barriers, it appears that commercial flying taxi services are becoming more of a reality.

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