Saudi Arabia has now successfully conducted experiments and pilot tests for self-piloted air taxi flights in Mecca, parallel to the 2024 Hajj season. These flight tests were carried out together with the air taxi developers, namely EHang. A specific model EH216-S eVTOL was used for this experiment in Saudi Arabia.
This test was carried out to identify the use and comfort of flying taxis during the Hajj season, as well as making it easier for pilgrims to move around. The flying taxi can carry up to two passengers for a distance of up to 40 kilometers. Through experiments carried out, it brought pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
In addition to the experiment of carrying pilgrims, these flying taxis for the initial stage will be used for emergency services, in addition to delivering goods or medicine for pilgrims first.
Previously, the government of Saudi Arabia had expressed its desire to obtain more than 100 air taxis that could take the pilgrims from the airport in Jeddah directly to hotels in Mecca.