Basics
Air taxis in Australia refer to proposed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for short urban and regional passenger trips. Manufacturers are testing prototypes globally while CASA develops certification pathways. No certified commercial passenger air taxi service operates nationwide today, but Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast are among markets actively planning vertiports and routes.
An introduction to electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, sky taxis, and how advanced air mobility fits Australia's transport future.
For local vertiport news and route proposals, visit our city air taxi guides or browse the latest on the national news page.
An air taxi — also called a sky taxi or eVTOL — is a proposed electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically for short passenger trips. Manufacturers design them for quiet urban hops between vertiports, airports, and city centres. None carry paying passengers commercially in Australia today.
Demonstration and test flights occur under strict permits, but no certified commercial passenger air taxi service operates nationwide. CASA must approve aircraft types and operator licences before routine public flights begin.
Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast are among the most active markets, with vertiport studies, government action plans, and industry partnerships underway. Timelines vary by city and remain subject to certification and infrastructure delivery.