Uber previews its Dubai air taxi service

Engadget

by Will Shanklin

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Uber has taken a major step toward revolutionizing urban transportation with its new air taxi service, set to launch in Dubai later this year. The company previewed Uber Air, which allows users to book Joby Aviation's electric air taxis directly through the Uber app. This innovative service integrates seamlessly with the existing app interface, offering travelers the ability to reserve a flying taxi much like they would any other ride-hailing option. The electric air taxis, designed for city travel, can accommodate up to four passengers and feature panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and speeds of up to 200 mph with a range of 100 miles. While the service is expected to be as expensive as an Uber Black ride, the partnership between Uber and Joby Aviation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of urban mobility. The air taxis are not autonomous and will require human pilots for now, which could impact their affordability compared to traditional ground-based ridesharing services. However, Uber and Joby have emphasized safety with features like triple-redundant flight computers and multiple battery packs. The initial focus is on Dubai, but the companies aim to expand globally. Joby has already secured FAA type certification and plans to launch in major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles, as well as international markets such as the UK and Japan. While the technology is promising, challenges remain. Critics warn of safety risks, including potential crashes and landing accidents, as highlighted by aviation expert Robert Ditchey. Additionally, the high cost of developing and operating these air taxis could pose economic barriers unless government subsidies are in place. Despite these hurdles, the collaboration between Uber and Joby represents a bold move toward making

Verticals

techconsumer-tech

Originally published on Engadget on 2/25/2026