Abu Dhabi Set to Launch World’s First Flying Taxi Service by 2025
Abu Dhabi is on track to become the first city globally to introduce a flying taxi service, with operations expected to commence by late 2025. The initiative is a result of a collaboration with US-based Archer Aviation, which will manufacture a fleet of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UAE capital.
The Archer Midnight eVTOL, capable of transporting up to four passengers, will connect key locations across Abu Dhabi via a network of strategically placed ‘vertiports.’ These advanced aircraft aim to reduce travel times by as much as 80%, offering 10–20 minute flights compared to 60–90 minute car journeys.
Archer’s Midnight vehicles, designed for safety and sustainability, operate with noise levels 100 times quieter than helicopters at cruising altitudes, and they rival the safety standards of commercial airliners. “Our goal is to revolutionize urban travel, making it safer, faster, and more environmentally friendly,” said a spokesperson for Archer.
The concept of eVTOL taxis gained prominence after Uber’s Elevate conference in 2016, and since then, over 300 eVTOL startups have emerged globally. Archer Aviation is among the few leading firms expected to dominate the sector, leveraging a first-mover advantage with its Abu Dhabi launch.
The initiative has been made possible through cross-industry collaboration, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Partners include Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Aviation Training, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Global Air Navigation Services. Regulatory and operational challenges are being addressed jointly to ensure the service’s success.
Plans include the development of up to five eVTOL vertiports by the end of 2025, facilitating faster and more efficient urban transportation. With its forward-thinking approach, Abu Dhabi is set to lead the world in next-generation mobility, transforming air travel while setting a benchmark for sustainable urban transportation solutions.
