NewsPhotogalleryauto Flying Taxis In India By 2028? How Delhi, Mumbai And Bengaluru Could Get Air Cabs
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Flying taxis could take off in India by 2028, promising 20-minute airport commutes in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Here’s how the plan will work
According to the minister, flying taxis could dramatically improve urban mobility by reducing dependence on road travel. The government plans to begin with pilot projects in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, where traffic congestion is among the highest in the country, before expanding the service to other cities.One of the biggest promises of flying taxis is speed. Journeys that currently take three hours by road could be completed in around 20 minutes, especially for airport transfers. The government believes this could transform connectivity between airports and city centres.Flying taxis use electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter while operating like an electric aircraft. Initially, they are expected to connect airports with key parts of the city, offering a faster alternative to road transport.The government believes the technology has applications beyond passenger travel. In the future, eVTOL aircraft could also be used as air ambulances, for emergency medical services and cargo transport. The long-term goal is to make the technology affordable, safe and accessible to the general public, not just premium travellers.Regulatory work is already underway. Sarla Aviation has received Design Organisation Approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the company expects large-scale flight testing to begin next year. Commercial operations by 2028 will depend on successful testing, certification and safety clearances.Sarla Aviation’s proposed eVTOL aircraft is designed to carry one pilot and six passengers. Often described as a hybrid between a drone, a helicopter and a small aircraft, the company also plans to manufacture as many components as possible in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges. If flying taxis cost significantly more than conventional cabs, widespread adoption could be difficult. Bringing down operating costs while maintaining safety will be crucial for making the service viable for everyday commuters.Just as Ola and Uber changed the way people book taxis, eVTOL companies hope to transform urban transport from the skies. Bengaluru International Airport has already partnered with Sarla Aviation to explore last-mile air mobility solutions for passengers.If testing and regulatory approvals proceed as planned, flying taxis could become a practical alternative for airport commutes in the coming years. Cities with airports located far from their urban centres, such as Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, could benefit the most from faster, traffic-free air connectivity.
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Flying taxis could soon become a reality in India. The government is working towards introducing electric air taxis that could significantly reduce travel time in congested cities. If everything goes according to plan, commuters may be able to take to the skies within the next two years.
