Commercial flying taxis are set to take off in 2026, with the UAE and China leading the global race. These services will use electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to reduce travel time in busy cities.
Toyota-backed Joby Aviation is spearheading the UAE initiative. The U.S.-based company signed a six-year exclusive agreement with Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority. The flying taxis could reduce an hour-long drive from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to just 10 minutes. Fares are expected to start at around 350 dirhams ($95).
Joby Aviation demonstrated its eVTOL capabilities at the Dubai Airshow in November with a 15-minute flight. The five-seat aircraft features two large cockpit screens and spacious legroom. Another U.S. competitor, Archer Aviation, plans to launch flying taxis in Abu Dhabi later in 2026. The UAE government is fast-tracking regulations to establish the country as a hub for innovative transport technology.
China is also accelerating the adoption of flying taxis. Drone maker EHang received the country’s first air operator certificates for its EH216-S eVTOL, allowing commercial operations. The two-seater aircraft is fully autonomous, flying to preset destinations without a pilot. EHang will initially focus on tourist flights.
China’s government supports the “low-altitude economy,” which operates below 1,000 meters, offering substantial subsidies to dominate this sector. The push has also influenced the U.S., where President Donald Trump signed an executive order to speed up eVTOL deployment. Joby Aviation plans to increase domestic production to four aircraft per month by 2027.
Japan is preparing for flying taxis through collaborations with ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines. However, commercial services in Japan are expected in 2027, later than in the UAE and China.
Flying taxis are expected to transform urban travel, offering faster, efficient, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional road transport.
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