Everything you need to know about flying taxis in Dubai
The taxis aim to take-off within the next three years.
Flying taxis sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but in Dubai it will soon become a reality. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has given air taxis the thumbs up, and the aim is for them to operate in the next three years. Here’s what we know so far about flying taxis in Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: “Today, we approved the designs of flying taxi stations in Dubai which will operate within three years”. When the flying taxis take off, Dubai will become the first place in the world operating this mode of transport.
Forget about airports, the flying taxi stops in Dubai will be known as vertiports. The taxis will initially connect four areas of Dubai: Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Plus, the vertiports will include four stands for aerial taxis and two landing areas, which will be connected to metro stations.
If Sheikh Zayed Road traffic gives you road rage, then you’ll be excited to hear about these travel times. The flying taxis in Dubai will be able to travel between 241.4 to 300 kilometres per hour and accommodate one pilot.
.@HHShkMohd approves models of aerial taxi vertiports at World Government Summit. His Highness briefed about potential partners identified by @rta_dubai to operate and invest in the crucial infrastructure required to bring the aerial taxi project to fruition by 2026. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/BMIqKzRUix
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 12, 2023
Images of the flying taxis and vertiports have been unveiled. The world-famous architecture firm, Foster + Partners, is behind the designs. The designs include bright, sleek vertiports and taxis that look like a cross between a drone and helicopter.
Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, Mattar Al Tayer, explained: “Vertiports embody a revolutionary form of infrastructure that encompasses a range of facilities such as designated take-off and landing zones, a passenger waiting area, security protocols, and electric charging stations. These stations seamlessly integrate with other modes of transportation.”
Strap in, it’s going to be an exciting ride.
GO: Visit www.rta.ae for more information.
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