Flying Taxis for DIY Umrah & Hajj? The Future Is Taking Flight!

File photo of a Joby Aviation eVTOL in flight.

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🚁✨ Flying Taxis for DIY Umrah & Hajj? 

The Future Is Taking Flight!

Assalamualaikum everyone!

Exciting news: Saudi Arabia just tested the EH216‑S eVTOL pilotless air taxi in Makkah on June 12, 2024—a fully electric, two-seat air vehicle designed to boost pilgrim transport  (source -Gulf News : Successful test flight of electric taxi opens up new vistas for transportation of Hajj pilgrims). Meanwhile, over in Dubai, Joby Aviation is already flying test flights of its electric air taxi and preparing for a 2026 public launch  (source - Gulf News - Flying taxis in Ajman? New partnership aims to make it happen )

Let’s break it down for our DIY pilgram audience:

🔹 What Just Happened?

• In Makkah (June 2024): 
  Saudi officials—including the Ministry of Transport & Logistics, GACA, and the Ministry of Hajj—witnessed the EH216‑S eVTOL conducting a fully autonomous takeoff and landing demo. It flew about 40 km, carrying two people and no fuel, all-electric and ground-controlled.
• In Dubai (June 30, 2025): 
  Joby Aviation performed the first test flight of its fully-electric air taxi—part of Dubai’s plan to launch commercial air transport by 2026. It’s designed to carry 4–5 passengers up to 160 km at speeds reaching 320 km/h .

Dubai's Flying Taxis Are Finally Here! First Test Flight Success (Joby Aviation)

🔹 Why It Matters for Umrah/Hajj Pilgrims

• Dramatically shorter transit times — imagine flying from Jeddah Airport to Makkah or from hotel to Haram in minutes, not hours.
• Ease for seniors and families — skip cramped buses and long waits during peak times.
• In line with Vision 2030 — the Kingdom aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims and 6 million Hajj pilgrims annually, stressing smart, sustainable, and innovative mobility.
• Eco‑friendly transport solution — fully electric, low noise, and low carbon footprint.

🔹 What’s Coming & When

So yes—in just 1–2 years, we may see flying taxis become an optional travel mode for DIY pilgrims!

🔹 Your Thoughts?

• Would you take an eVTOL over the Haram during Umrah?
• Would you pay extra for the speed and comfort?
• What safety, cost, or logistical questions do you have?

Drop your thoughts and questions below 👇 — maybe our group can be among the first to fly this once available, inshaAllah!