Houston may soon join Texas\u2019s new air taxi network after the USDOT and FAA picked the state to test eVTOL flights connecting Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 Texas is getting ready to leap into the future of flight. Gov. Greg Abbott announced<\/a> that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and FAA have selected the state for one of eight new Advanced Air Mobility Pilot Programs<\/a> \u2014 a first\u2011of\u2011its\u2011kind national effort to test and safely integrate next\u2011generation aircraft called eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft).<\/p>\n Under the partnership, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will work with major industry names, including Archer, BETA, Joby, and Wisk, to develop regional air taxi networks connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and, eventually, Houston.<\/p>\n These futuristic aircraft\u2014part drone, part jet\u2014are designed to shorten inter\u2011city trips from hours to minutes, easing highway congestion and opening new transportation options for commuters and businesses. For Houston, that could mean faster regional links to nearby major markets and an early seat at the table for emerging urban air mobility infrastructure.<\/p>\n The USDOT says the data gathered from these pilot projects will help shape national safety regulations and accelerate the rollout of real-world eVTOL operations, which could begin as soon as summer 2026.<\/p>\n The @USDOT<\/a> and @SecDuffy<\/a> have announced that Texas has been selected for one of eight new Advanced Air Mobility Pilot Programs. <\/p>\n Working with industry leaders, @TXDOT<\/a> will develop air taxi flights connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and eventually Houston. https:\/\/t.co\/X0IKVDX4hx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) March 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called the selections \u201ca window into the future of aviation,\u201d praising the collaboration among federal, state and private partners. The initiative stems from President Trump\u2019s Unleashing Drone Dominance executive order and aims to cement the United States\u2019 leadership in aviation innovation.<\/p>\n For now, Houston residents can look forward to being part of the early chapter in a new form of travel \u2014 one that lifts off not from a runway, but from a vision of faster skyways crisscrossing Texas.<\/p>\n Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at\u00a0newstips@khou.com<\/a>\u00a0or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.<\/p>\n