Uber and Joby Aviation have announced plans to launch electric air taxi flights in 2026, unveiling a new service called Uber Air powered by Joby that will let riders book aerial trips directly through the Uber app.
New Aerial Service Coming in 2026
Uber says that the future of transportation is expanding beyond ground rides with the introduction of Uber Air, powered by Joby, a service that will allow riders to book Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis straight from the Uber app.
The companies revealed the plan on February 25, 2026, during a press event in Dubai, where they explained how the new service will work and what riders can expect when flights begin later this year.
Dubai Selected as First Launch City
Uber and Joby confirmed that Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will be the first city to debut the new air taxi flights, with commercial operations expected to begin later in 2026.
The partners said Dubai was chosen because of its supportive regulatory environment and commitment to advancing urban air mobility solutions. Joby expects to carry its first passengers in Dubai before the end of 2026.
One-Tap Booking in the Uber App
When Uber Air becomes available, riders will be able to book flights in the Uber app much like they request regular rides. Users will enter their destination in the “Where to?” search bar and see the Uber Air powered by Joby option if their trip qualifies for aerial travel.
Uber Air’s one-tap booking will coordinate the entire journey, including ground transportation. An Uber Black car will take passengers to a vertiport, a special takeoff and landing site for air taxis, and a car will be waiting after landing to complete the trip.
Joby’s Electric Air Taxi Aircraft
The air taxi will be an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by Joby Aviation. The all-electric vehicle uses six tilting propellers that allow vertical takeoff and smooth forward flight.
Joby’s aircraft is designed to carry up to four passengers with a certified pilot, travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (about 320 km/h), and fly up to 100 miles (about 160 km) on a single charge.
The cabin will offer panoramic views through large windows, giving riders a new way to see the city from above.
Focus on Safety and FAA Certification
Before Uber Air can expand to the United States, Joby Aviation must complete aircraft certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company has logged more than 50,000 miles of flight tests and is in the final stages of the FAA’s certification process, according to the press release.
This certification is required before commercial passenger flights can begin in the U.S. and other international markets.
Background of the Uber-Joby Partnership
Uber and Joby have been working together on advanced air mobility since 2019, when Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate division, a project originally designed to bring aerial ridesharing services to cities.
The partnership has continued to grow, with both companies focusing on building a seamless system that connects ground rides with air travel to save time and expand transportation options.
Future Expansion Plans
After the Dubai launch in late 2026, Uber and Joby plan to expand Uber Air to other major cities around the world. This includes potential future operations in New York and Los Angeles in the United States, as well as cities in the United Kingdom and Japan, subject to regulatory approval.
Looking Toward a New Era of Transportation
Uber’s move into electric air taxi flights marks a significant shift in how people may travel in the future. If the Dubai launch goes ahead as planned, it could pave the way for this service to eventually become available in more cities worldwide, offering riders a fast, innovative alternative to traditional ground transportation.
