UAE Addresses Concerns about Privacy and Noise with Flying Taxis
Concerned about privacy and noise pollution from air taxis flying above your homes? Aviation industry leaders assure residents there's no cause for alarm.
Air taxis are set to soar at speeds of 320km per hour, with concerns about privacy and noise pollution from flying drones addressed by aviation industry leaders. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, reassured Dubai residents about privacy, emphasizing that the drones will operate at high speeds and altitudes, making privacy concerns unwarranted. He highlighted the aim to provide passengers with an exceptional travel experience, significantly reducing travel times.
Joby Aviation recently finalized an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce air taxi services in the emirate by early 2026. Adam Grosser, chairman and managing director of UP Partners, addressed worries about noise and privacy intrusion caused by flying drones. He emphasized the convenience of drone transportation, with delivery times ranging from 3 to 5 minutes.
Grosser highlighted efforts made by companies to mitigate noise pollution from drones, citing Joby's collaboration with NASA in 2022 to measure aircraft noise levels, with results indicating noise levels are quieter than a typical conversation. Regarding the cost of drone deliveries, Grosser mentioned that it is already lower than other transportation modes and is expected to decrease further.
JoeBen Bevirt mentioned ongoing discussions with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority regarding air taxi pricing, with details expected to be disclosed shortly before the service launches in 2026. He continued by saying that regulatory constraints, not technical ones, are what prevent drone operations from scaling.
