DUBAI, April 17 (V7N) – Dubai has completed its first flying taxi station, with commercial operations expected to begin by the end of the year, authorities announced Thursday.  

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, crown prince of Dubai and UAE deputy prime minister, visited the “first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Air Taxi Station,” the emirate’s media office said.  

The four-storey facility, covering 3,100 square metres, includes a two-level car park, two take-off and landing pads, and dedicated charging infrastructure. Located near Dubai International Airport, it will serve as the main hub for air taxi operations, with capacity for up to 170,000 passengers annually.  

California-based Joby Aviation will operate the flights exclusively for six years. Three additional stations are planned across the city. “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,” Sheikh Hamdan said.  

Dubai, the UAE’s most populous city and a regional business hub, has faced recent disruptions from Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours in retaliation for a US-Israeli offensive. A two-week ceasefire has since taken effect.  

END/WD/RH