Oman to launch air taxi service in 2027

• Ministry considering consultation bids
• To operate from vertiports at all airports
• Similar moves in Saudi and Dubai

Oman intends to launch an air taxi service in 2027, hoping the move will boost domestic travel, spur business connectivity and attract a larger number of tourists. 

The ministry of transport, communication and information technology is considering bids from seven companies for consultation work on the planned service. 

Air taxis will initially operate from vertiports in all Omani airports, four popular tourist spots, central Muscat and the southern city of Salalah, the ministry said in a report. 

The air taxis are designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at up to 300km per hour, travelling from central Muscat to the mountain resort of Jabal Al Akhdhar in 20 minutes compared with 90 minutes by road.

“Over time, the air taxis will reduce road traffic, increase the number of tourists, reduce air pollution, create jobs and expand SME businesses,” the report said.

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Such air taxis are electric and offer vertical landing and take-off. Unlike conventional aircraft, they do not need a runway. 

“Oman is obviously in a race with other GCC states to develop the air taxi industry and it doesn’t want to be left behind,” Nasser Al Suleimany, a retired head of air navigational services at Muscat airport, told AGBI. 

US aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation plans to deploy air taxis in Saudi Arabia with the kingdom’s aviation authorities. 

Dubai also plans to launch an air taxi service this year using Joby Aviation vehicles.