Uber Plans Air Taxi Service Launch in Dubai, US, UK by 2026

Uber is preparing to launch a flying taxi service as early as 2026 through a partnership with Joby Aviation and its subsidiary Blade, marking a significant expansion from ground rides to urban air transport. Initially relying on traditional helicopters, the long-term goal is to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft once regulatory approval is secured, potentially easing urban traffic congestion and expanding to cities like Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, the UK, and Japan. This initiative aligns with broader U.S. government efforts, including the Trump administration's Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which aims to integrate advanced air mobility vehicles like air taxis and cargo drones into the national aviation system. The eIPP program promises to create high-paying manufacturing jobs and improve transportation access to remote areas while emphasizing safety and regulatory collaboration. Meanwhile, Uber continues to face challenges and community concerns at the local level, as seen with its recent application to resume operations in Southend, where worries remain about the impact on traditional taxi drivers despite Uber's assurances on driver wages and safety. The flying taxi service represents a key step in transforming urban mobility but raises questions about accessibility, affordability, and infrastructure readiness for this emerging transport mode.