Pareesa Afreen 
Nov 12, 2025
An image of an electric air taxi completing a successful test flight from Margham to Dubai World Central. — Dubai government
Dubai completed its first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi (eVTOL) test flight on Wednesday. The aircraft took off from Margham and landed at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in a flight aimed at expanding aerial taxi testing across the emirate.
The project was conducted in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
eVTOL features
The aircraft is fully electric, environment-friendly, and meets safety, comfort, and speed standards. This eVTOL reportedly has a top speed of 320 km/h and a flight range of about 160 km.
The air taxi system will cover 3,100 square metres on four levels. That includes two floors for vehicle parking and two dedicated pads for take-off and landing. The layout of the taxi is designed to support frequent short hops across the city and to integrate with ground transport.
Terming the crewed flight a milestone, the Dubai government announces this as a move that takes the emirate from testing to technological viability. The success strengthens the emirate’s bid to become the world’s first city to run a commercial, citywide aerial taxi service in 2026.
According to planners, the programme could improve urban mobility, reduce congestion on the ground, and offer a cleaner transport option.
Beyond transportation, the Dubai government says that the eVTOL trials will contribute towards policy decisions on safety, airspace management, and sustainability. The initiative also underscores the emirate's commitment toward adopting new technology to improve quality of life and economic growth.
As the programme progresses, regulators and operators of this air taxi will focus on final certification, public safety measures, and commercial integration. If all goes along with the plan, residents could see electric air taxis become a part of city travel within the next year.
