Air taxis to cut travel time by 40%; here’s when they will take off

Thanks to the UAE’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives and certification developments anticipated next year, people will soon have the opportunity to bypass traffic and travel through the Emirates, saving the 40 per hundred of his time.

The country is ready to witness electric air taxis becoming a reality in the skies of the UAE from the first quarter of 2026.

Highlighting the advantages of bringing electric aviation to the United Arab Emirates, Eng. Ruba Abdelal, Chief Specialist, Innovative Mobility Expert, UAE Government said it will help unlock congestion with zero emissions.

She said: “The first is time efficiency, so imagine traveling from one point to another without having to deal with traffic congestion or having to deal with intersections and waiting for traffic lights and roundabouts. The movement of the people from one place to another in the cities will be much easier. Save at least 40 percent of your time which can lead to increased productivity.”

Abdelal highlighted that innovation in this sector also has a positive impact on other sectors. “Another benefit is to connect with hard-to-reach areas. It is also important to strengthen the emergency response,” he added.

Policy work begins next year

Omran Hassan Malek, Senior Specialist in Policy and Regulation and Advanced Air Mobility Project Manager in the General Authority of Civil Aviation in the UAE, highlighted that the country can expect the arrival of the future of air mobility from the first quarter of 2026.

“After collaborations like Archer we are doing a lot of work and preparation. We are making sure that the regulations are in place and the airspace is ready. All the work will start from next year until 2026.”

He added, “We anticipate resistance when it comes to introducing something new, especially with the mode of transportation. The first year or two might not see hundreds of planes in the sky, but in the next five years, it will definitely be a mode of transport”.

First, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Archer, alongside several frontrunners in the aviation industry in the region such as Falcon Aviation and GAL-AMMROC, joined forces in a signature event to approve the ‘introduction of Archer’s all-electric air taxi service across the UAE. Abu Dhabi has pledged to be the inaugural partner, with the goal of a 2026 launch.

“Creating the whole ecosystem is critical. We work very closely together with other manufacturers and stakeholders. We coordinate with committees all over the world, in America, Canada and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is a novelty in the market and requires huge investments, so many things have to be in place”, continued Malek.

It will help generate more jobs

In addition, the advent of air taxis is also likely to attract millions of foreign direct investments and generate thousands of jobs in the region in the next ten years.

Balkiz Sarihan, CEO of Airbus Urban Mobility and Head of UAM Airbus said: “There is a new option with each of us that we can make our mobility, choice of the day. This could be based on the distance, the scenario . .. if we are in a pressing or emergency situation. The eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) and advanced air mobility will be another option. It will not replace it. It cannot. It will become another choice of transportation.”

Throwing light on the upcoming challenges of these vehicles that have unique requirements, Borja Blond CEO – Advance Air Mobility Operator, said: “The authorities are a key player in moving towards the security of operations. It is not only about to fly, but to understand the whole game. This is where the real complexity comes in. Maintenance also requires a completely different approach. Also, pilot training is an important aspect (which should be factored in).

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