Dubai has set a new milestone in urban transport by creating what it calls the world’s first dedicated air taxi station, as the city looks for solutions to rising population and traffic demands.
The facility has been built near Dubai International Airport on a 3,100 sq m site and spans four levels. It includes a vertiport area for vertical take-off and landing, fast-charging infrastructure, a two-level car parking facility and an air-conditioned passenger lounge.
Officials say the service could significantly reduce travel times on key routes. For example, the 36 km trip from the airport to Palm Jumeirah, which typically takes around 45 minutes by road, is expected to take about 10 minutes by air taxi.
Bookings will be available through a mobile app. The initial network is planned to connect the airport with hotels, resorts and business centres, before expanding to other parts of the city.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspected the completed project. Commercial operations are expected to begin by the end of this year, according to reports.
