Saudi Arabia has initiated an autonomous flying taxi service for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season. This year, during the 2024 Hajj season, we will see self-flying air taxis serving pilgrims in Mecca. Here are the details…

The world’s first autonomous flying taxi service for pilgrims launched in Saudi Arabia

On June 12, 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, alongside Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Deputy Minister Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, and other officials, launched the first trial of the autonomous flying taxi. This flight made history as the world’s first licensed autonomous air taxi. Conducted without a pilot, this unmanned flight has garnered global interest.

The autonomous flying taxi offers numerous benefits beyond easing transportation for pilgrims. It will be used for rapid transportation in emergencies, medical equipment transport, and logistics services. Saudi Arabia is investing in such technologies to modernize its transportation sector and enhance smart mobility. Under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the country aims to prepare its transportation infrastructure for the future with innovative projects like flying taxis, electric vehicles, and hydrogen trains.

The autonomous flying taxi service is expected to provide a solution for pilgrims to perform their rituals more comfortably and quickly. Instead of waiting in Mecca’s heavy traffic for hours, pilgrims can reach holy sites within minutes. This service is said to be particularly beneficial for elderly and mobility-impaired pilgrims. However, it is important to note that this service is not expected to be cheap.

Recently, Saudi Arabia has placed significant importance on modern technologies in transportation. The country aims to develop its transportation sector not only with air taxi services but also with electric and hydrogen vehicles.

What do you think? Would providing services to pilgrims with autonomous air taxis be beneficial? Could this service face criticism? Don’t forget to share your thoughts and comments below…