Uber to Launch Air Taxis in Select Cities: Timeline, Locations and Booking Details

Uber is preparing to introduce electric air taxis in select global cities, allowing passengers to book short urban flights directly through the Uber app. In partnership with Joby Aviation, the company aims to redefine city travel by offering faster, zero-emission aerial commutes.

Uber Expands Beyond Roads with Air Taxi Plans

A New Chapter in Urban Mobility

Uber is set to take a major leap beyond traditional ride-hailing services by launching electric air taxis in select cities worldwide. The initiative marks a bold expansion of its mobility platform, moving from roads to the skies in an effort to reduce travel time and ease urban congestion.

To bring this vision to life, Uber has partnered with US-based aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation. The collaboration focuses on deploying fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can be booked seamlessly through the Uber app.

The goal is straightforward: give commuters the option to bypass traffic by flying above it.

Dubai Set to Become the First Launch City

Initial Rollout in the Middle East

The first city expected to witness Uber’s air taxi operations is Dubai. The emirate has been actively investing in advanced transportation technologies, making it an ideal launch market for aerial mobility services.

Before operations begin, dedicated take-off and landing hubs known as “vertiports” are being developed at strategic points across the city. These vertiports will serve as designated stations for air taxi departures and arrivals, similar to metro stations or airports but designed for short-distance urban flights.

However, the launch timeline depends on regulatory clearances and aviation safety approvals from local authorities.

Expansion Plans: US, UK and Japan

Global Rollout Depends on Approvals

Following Dubai, Uber intends to expand its air taxi service to major international cities. Potential future markets include parts of the United States such as New York City and Los Angeles, as well as cities in the United Kingdom and Japan.

Each market will require separate aviation certifications and infrastructure readiness. Urban air mobility is a highly regulated sector, and safety compliance will determine how quickly the service can be introduced in each region.

How to Book an Uber Air Taxi

Simple App-Based Booking Experience

Uber plans to integrate air taxis directly into its existing app interface. The booking process will mirror that of a standard ride.

Users will:

• Open the Uber app

• Enter their destination

• Select the “Uber Air” option (if available in their city)

The app will coordinate the entire journey. This may include:

• A ground ride to the nearest vertiport

• The air taxi flight

• A connecting ground ride to the final destination

By managing both air and road segments within one booking, Uber aims to create a seamless door-to-door travel experience.

Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities

Electric, Fast and Designed for Urban Travel

The air taxis will be powered by Joby Aviation’s electric aircraft technology. These eVTOL aircraft can carry up to four passengers along with a pilot.

Key features include:

• Vertical take-off and landing, similar to a helicopter

• Forward flight like a conventional airplane

• Maximum speeds of approximately 300 km/h

• A travel range of up to 160 km on a single charge

Because they are fully electric, these aircraft are expected to operate more quietly than traditional helicopters while producing zero direct emissions. This aligns with Uber’s broader sustainability goals and global efforts to reduce urban carbon footprints.

Safety Certifications and Regulatory Hurdles

Approval Process Still Underway

Before commercial operations can begin, the aircraft must receive final safety certifications from aviation authorities. In the United States, approval from the Federal Aviation Administration will be essential.

Test flights have already been conducted, demonstrating the feasibility of the technology. However, full commercial certification is still in progress. Authorities will review aircraft performance, pilot training protocols, air traffic integration systems, and passenger safety measures before granting approval.

The timeline for broader expansion will largely depend on how quickly these regulatory processes are completed.

The Future of Urban Transportation

Uber’s air taxi initiative represents a significant shift in how people may travel within cities. By combining electric aviation technology with its established ride-hailing platform, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of urban air mobility.

If successful, the service could dramatically reduce travel times for short urban trips, particularly in heavily congested metropolitan areas. Instead of spending an hour in traffic, passengers might reach their destination in minutes with just a tap on their smartphone.

While commercial deployment still hinges on infrastructure readiness and regulatory approvals, Uber’s air taxi program signals a future where urban flights become a practical, bookable transport option.