Flying Taxis to Begin Trials in Al Ain by May 2025
- Publish date: since 5 hours
- Related articles
- Flying Taxis to Transform Travel in Dubai by 2026
- The Cost of Flying Taxis in Abu Dhabi Explained
- Driver Injured After Car Flip Over Due to Filming Floods
Flying taxis are set to take off in the UAE, with trials scheduled to begin in Al Ain by May 2025. Falcon Aviation Services, an Abu Dhabi-based company, plans to launch commercial air taxi services by January 1, 2026, according to CEO Ramandeep Oberoi.
Vertiports Planned in Key Locations
Falcon Aviation partnered with Archer Aviation, a US-based electric flying car manufacturer, in March 2024 to create cutting-edge vertiports. These facilities will be located at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, and Marina Mall heliport on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
The first passenger flights will use Archer’s Midnight flying taxis, traveling between these vertiports. The 30-minute journeys will take passengers over scenic water routes, offering breathtaking views of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Future Plans for Connectivity
Initial operations will focus on routes within Abu Dhabi, with plans to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai by mid-2026. Future expansions aim to link Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, catering to major destinations like the Wynn Resort project, and eventually include Al Ain.
"We’re building the market gradually,” said Oberoi, emphasizing the UAE’s strong road infrastructure as a complementary network.
Affordable Airfare Goals
Falcon Aviation aims to make flying taxis accessible, targeting fares of around Dh1,000 per passenger for Abu Dhabi-Dubai trips—about twice the cost of a regular taxi. Within cities, the goal is Dh300. However, Oberoi noted that these figures are still under negotiation and may change.
Slow and Steady Hiring Approach
The company is taking a measured approach to recruitment, relying on existing staff and bringing in specialized personnel from the US. Additional hires will include ground operations and engineering teams to manage vertiports and maintain the vehicles.