In a landmark move for urban air mobility, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is setting the stage for the introduction of air taxis in India. The project is slated to commence operations in major metropolitan areas such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru by 2026, with subsequent expansions to cities like Chennai and Hyderabad.
Following the conclusion of the nation’s largest electoral activity, the Aviation Ministry has accelerated efforts to develop the infrastructure and regulatory framework necessary for the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The DGCA has established multiple technical committees tasked with drafting the roadmap for air taxis, ensuring that all necessary guidelines and safety standards are in place.
InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE), the parent company of IndiGo, will collaborate with US-based Archer Aviation to develop the required infrastructure once the regulatory framework is established. Archer Aviation, supported by Boeing, is poised to play a significant role in this venture, with its Indian-origin Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the service. Goel noted that the cost per passenger for air taxis would be only marginally higher than premium ridesharing services like Uber. “DGCA has set up several panels to look at different aspects of air taxis that range from air navigation, operational routes, to safety standards for vertiports. Everything will be in place for air taxis to take off in India by 2026. In terms of regulatory preparedness for eVTOL services for urban air mobility, India will be ahead of the curve,” reported a source from the Times of India.
Archer Aviation has already secured an order from IGE for 200 of its Midnight air taxis, valued at approximately one billion dollars. These vehicles are set to begin manufacturing at Archer’s Georgia facility this year, with plans to extend production to other locations, including India, in partnership with automotive giant Stellantis. Archer’s air taxis are expected to commence operations in the US next year, starting in New York and Chicago. This will be followed by launches in India and the UAE. A team from Archer recently engaged with Indian aviation authorities to discuss the rollout, and IGE remains in regular contact with the DGCA to ensure a smooth implementation.
The cost of air taxi services is projected to be competitive. For instance, a journey from Delhi to Gurgaon, which currently costs between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000 via Uber, would cost approximately ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per passenger on an air taxi, according to recent statements by IGE officials. The introduction of air taxis represents a significant leap forward for India’s urban transport infrastructure, promising reduced travel times and enhanced connectivity in major urban centres. With the regulatory framework taking shape and substantial investments in place, India’s vision for urban air mobility is swiftly moving towards becoming a reality.
