Dubai completes Evtol Air First Air Flight: Journey time, Vertiport locations and 320kmph revealed
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Joby Aviation, has confirmed the timely completion of the Dubai Airshow 2025 as ejela, infrastructure and inspection tests are fast.
An all-electric Crewita that flies 17 minutes from Dubai Jetman Helipad in Marham to Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central), making Jobey the first full-service airline in the UAE.
Vertiports in Dubai
The RTA also announced that Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based developer of advanced aviation facilities, has completed 60 percent of construction on Dubai’s first vertiport.
Located near Dubai International Airport (DXB), the project has now reached its highest point and is the first of its kind worldwide.
Additional vertiports will be developed under agreements between RTA and Emaar, Atlantis the Royal, and Wasl Asset Management group.
These will be located at Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking Area, Palm Jumeirah within Atlantis the Royal, and Dubai Marina within the American University in Dubai Parking zone.
Four vertiports are planned for the first 2026 network.
Future travel
Mattar Al Tayer, director, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, said that the successful and efficient flight shows the vision of Sheikh Mohamad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the world leader in good and stable travel.
He said: “The successful completion by Joby Alivation of the first inter-regional taxi flight underlines the success of the RTA’s active framework for developing Dubai’s Aerial Comystem and its ability to operate within the shared AirSpace.
“This milestone paves the way for a new phase of integration between Smart transportation initiatives across the Emirate, strengthening the confidence of global partners in Dubai’s Regreel Environmental Vality.”
He added that progress on DXB Vertiport and new agreements with major Dubai developers reinforce Rta’s strategy to expand its network of AIRIAL GRAXIAL GRAX ARETATE taxi stations.
Fast, easy travel
Al Tayer said the air taxi service represents a major step towards safe, efficient and sustainable modes of transportation.
The journey between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumulah is expected to take 10 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.
He continued: “The air taxi will provide a new and unique service for citizens and tourists of Dubai seeking between key locations throughout the city … to strengthen multimodal tourism and strengthen the smooth and comfortable passenger experience.”
Aerial Mobility wishes
Joeben Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said: “From the air show to the infrastructure, we are making incredible progress on all fronts as we begin to introduce commercial passenger service to Dubai next year.
“By working together with the RTA, other government agencies and infrastructure partners, we have been able to develop the first air taxi service and come very close to making the city air everyday for citizens.”
Skyports CEO Duncan Walker said: “Vertiports is critical to the success of the Advanced Aerial Mobility programme. At this juncture, we are marking a historic moment to be the first city in the world to implement virtual reality.”
Joby’s Evtol flies
JOBY’s Electric Air Taxi is designed for the urban environment, with vertical take-off and landing power, six rotors, four battery packs and zero emissions.
The plane has a range of up to 160km, a top speed of 320kmph, and seats four passengers and the pilot. The company continues to conduct regular flight inspections in collaboration with the RTA, DCAA, GCAA and Dans.
The main vertiport adjacent to DXB Spans 3,100sq m across four floors, including pick-up pockets, charging points, parking areas and air-conditioned passenger areas.
It is designed to handle around 42,000 flights every year, serving around 170,000 passengers.
All vertiports are built to international safety standards. Skyports will manage design, construction and operations, while the RTA oversees governance and integration with wider transport networks.
2026 Implementation plan
RTA’s Aerial Taxi Initiative Follows the 2024 agreement with Joby Aviation, Skyports Infrastructure Limited, General Aviation Authority and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
Under this partnership, Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to offer Urban Aerial Transport through a network of vertical take-offs and landings.
Commercial operation is scheduled to begin in 2026.
