Flying Taxis Could Soar Above LA Traffic During 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles, CA — Spectators at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games could soon find themselves soaring above Los Angeles traffic in flying taxis, thanks to a new partnership between LA28 organizers and Archer Aviation.
Announced on Thursday, the agreement aims to provide a fleet of electric air taxis to ferry fans to and from key Olympic venues, offering a futuristic alternative to the city’s notoriously congested roads.
The planned aircraft, known as the Midnight, is a type of eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle), capable of carrying up to four passengers. Flights are expected to take just 10 to 20 minutes, with routes connecting major Olympic sites across the Los Angeles region.
“We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America,” said Archer CEO Adam Goldstein. “There’s no better time to do that than during the LA28 Games.”
Customers would be able to hail the aircraft via a mobile app, similar to popular ride-hailing services like Uber. Pricing, while not yet finalized, is expected to be in the range of a high-end Uber ride, Goldstein told the Los Angeles Times.
Certification Still Pending
Despite the ambitious plans, a major hurdle remains: the aircraft are not yet certified for commercial use. Archer Aviation is still seeking Type Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is required to prove the aircraft meets stringent design and safety standards.
Goldstein expressed confidence that Archer will secure FAA approval by the end of 2025, which would allow enough time for the service to be operational before the Games.
Learning from Paris’ Delay
Flying taxis were also slated to make their debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but those plans were shelved after aircraft failed to receive timely certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
LA28 officials and Archer hope to avoid a similar fate, positioning the 2028 Games as a pivotal showcase for next-generation transportation technologies.
Backed by Aviation Giants
Archer, based in Silicon Valley, is backed by major industry players including Boeing and United Airlines, the latter of which has already ordered several aircraft from the company.
The Midnight aircraft boasts 12 electric engines and propellers, offering quieter operation and lower emissions compared to traditional helicopters. It is designed for quick urban hops between locations with minimal environmental disruption.
Challenges Ahead
While the vision is bold, significant challenges remain. Beyond regulatory approval, Los Angeles will need to invest in vertiport infrastructure—landing and take-off zones for eVTOLs—at or near Olympic venues. Public safety, air traffic integration, and community acceptance will also play crucial roles in determining the project’s success.
In addition, the city previously announced it would ban private cars during the 2028 Games. That decision came after failed efforts to expand LA’s public transit system in time for the event, further raising the stakes for alternative transport solutions.
The Future of Urban Flight
Despite setbacks and delays in the industry, optimism remains high. The UK, for example, announced its Future of Flight Action Plan in 2024, forecasting that flying taxis could begin operating commercially there by 2026.
As one of the most watched global events, the 2028 Summer Games offer Archer and the city of Los Angeles a unique opportunity: to turn a long-promised concept into a transformative reality.