Dubai: 4 times flying cars, taxis have taken off in the city

Dubai skies could be buzzing with air taxis in just three years. The Dubai Ruler has unveiled designs of swanky stations, and the aerial taxis that will have top speeds of 300kmph, with a maximum range of 241km. It will seat a pilot and four passengers.

Dubai authorities have been exploring aerial taxis for years now, with some having taken off in test flights. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) had first showcased a model of its autonomous aerial taxi at the World Government Summit in 2017.

Here is the journey of air taxis in the Emirate so far.

1. September 2017: Pilot-less taxi takes off in world's first concept flight

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed the world’s self-flying taxi service take off near the Jumeirah Beach Park. As the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline gleamed in the background, the two-seater aircraft took off, soared over the city and landed back in the test flight.

2. January 2022: Flying hypercar zips away

London-based startup Bellwether Industries’ futuristic flying car took to the skies as the company carried out a series of test flights. The test flight was conducted at an altitude of 13 feet with a speed of 40kmph. The 'hypercar' is designed for inner-city travel and is projected to reach speeds of 220kmph.

3. February 2022: Soar over Expo 2020 Dubai

• Video: Dubai air taxis to take off in 3 years, says Sheikh Mohammed