Will Flying Cars Belong to the Automobile or Aviation Sector?
Published on August 19, 2025
In August 2025, while I was traveling from Indore to Hyderabad by airplane, an interesting thought struck my mind.
"Airplanes also have wheels. They run on the runway, just like cars run on roads. Then why are they not considered part of the automobile industry?"
When I searched, I found that airplanes and helicopters come under the aviation sector, not the automobile sector.
But then a new question came up in my mind:
Automobile or Aviation – Where Do Flying Cars Fit?
Currently, there is no officially defined sector for flying vehicles like airplane cars or hover cars. Experts suggest multiple possibilities:
- 🚗 Automobile Sector – Because flying cars will still drive on the road using wheels.
- ✈️ Aviation Sector – Because they will also fly, just like helicopters, drones, or a flying taxi in Dubai.
- 🔄 Hybrid or New Mobility Sector – Many believe flying cars in the future will create an entirely new category, combining both road and air transport.
Flying Cars in India vs. Air Taxi Dubai
India: As of now, there is no official policy or government plan for flying cars in India. The technology is still in the discussion stage, with startups and researchers exploring possibilities.
Dubai: On the other hand, Dubai is far ahead. The Dubai Government has already approved air taxi Dubai services, expected to launch by 2026. The first Dubai flying car demonstrations are already happening. Companies like Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and XPeng are working closely with Dubai’s transport authority to make this dream a reality.
Who Is Building Flying Cars Globally?
Here are some of the big names experimenting with flying cars in the future and shaping the future of the automotive industry:
- XPeng (China): Electric flying vehicles already showcased in 2024.
- PAL-V (Netherlands): A gyrocopter-style airplane car, certified for both road and air.
- Joby Aviation (USA): Backed by Toyota, focusing on flying taxi services.
- Volocopter (Germany): Partnered for flying taxi Dubai projects, tested in many countries.
- Jetson One (Sweden): A personal eVTOL hover car, gaining global attention for its simplicity and futuristic design.
The Future of Flying Cars
So, will flying cars belong to the automobile industry, the aviation industry, or will they create a brand-new hybrid industry?
The truth is, these flying vehicles are more than just cars or planes. They represent the next era of mobility, blurring the line between road and sky.