Everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s flying taxis

These vehicles will be soaring the skies of AlUla and Neom by 2026.

Flying taxis sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but in Saudi Arabia’s Neom and AlUla, they will soon become a reality.

You read that right. The flying taxis are expected to be operational by 2026, as announced by Saudia Airlines. Once operational, people will not need cars and rely on public transport and these flying taxis instead.

Similarly, AlUla and Riyadh are hot destinations for flying taxis. A study has been conducted for an air taxi service, linking up Riyadh with hotspots like Diriyah and Qiddiyah. The Kingdom is also set to roll out flying taxis for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, whisking them away from King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah straight to Makkah hotels.

Flights of air taxis were tested in Neom back in June 2023. These electric air taxis, courtesy of Volocopter, marked the first time Saudi Arabia witnessed the magic of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The test campaign lasted over a week and was the result of 18 months of collaboration between Neom, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the team at Volocopter.

The eVTOL aircraft are the epitome of futuristic urban air mobility. They’re eco-friendly, quieter, more adaptable and cheaper to operate than traditional helicopters. They are also powered by renewable energy sources aligning them with Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals. And within the next few years, these striking aircraft will be soaring through the skies of multiple cities across Saudi Arabia – solidifying the Kingdom’s commitment to innovative transportation solutions.

In the words of Buzz Lightyear, “To infinity and beyond.”

GO: Visit www.neom.com for more information.