- By Chetna Shree
- Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
What once felt like a scene from science fiction is now edging towards reality as India's first AI-powered air taxi reportedly took centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This marks a major milestone in urban mobility as the country gears up to introduce its first indigenously developed air taxi for passenger services.
India First AI-Powered Air Taxi
According to a report by NDTV, India's first AI-powered air taxi was showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam. The air taxi has been designed by The E Plane Company in collaboration with IIT Madras. It is an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (e-VTOL) aircraft, designed to significantly reduce travel time in traffic-congested cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on long, fixed runways, the e-VTOL aircraft does not need a runway. It can take off and land vertically, making it ideal for crowded urban environments.
36 Km In 8 Minutes By Air Taxi
According to The E Plane Company, a 36-km journey, from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport to UB City, takes nearly two hours by road and costs around Rs 1,000 through ride-hailing services like Ola or Uber.
In contrast, India's first AI-powered air taxi could cover the same distance in just eight minutes, with an estimated cost of around Rs 1,700, NDTV reported.
Multi-Stop Capability On Single Charge
Another standout feature of the aircraft is its multi-stop capability on a single charge. Unlike traditional aircraft that require plugging in and recharging after each landing, the e-VTOL can land at multiple locations on a single charge.
Quieter Flights, No Runway
Unlike traditional helicopters and aeroplanes, this e-VTOL aircraft is designed to produce less than 120 dB of noise, making it barely noticeable during flight. Even when landing at designated urban landing pads, the aircraft operates without the need for traditional runways, making it ideal for crowded urban environments.
Made-In-India Push
Speaking to NDTV, the company's founder, Vikkalp Mittal, said that the aircraft’s airframe, propellers, and body are completely manufactured in India at the IIT Madras facility. Key components, such as the chips and motors, were designed domestically but manufactured abroad.
Check Planned Rollout And Seating Capacity Of Air Taxi
According to the report, the company plans to first introduce air ambulance services, likely around September or October 2027, before expanding into commercial air taxi operations. The air ambulance services will initially be rolled out in traffic-congested cities, such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Currently, the prototype can accommodate three passengers, including the pilot. However, the company plans to build aircraft with up to 19 seats in the future.