Visitors heading to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 may soon have the option to skip traffic and take to the skies.
A new plan from the LA28 organizing committee could introduce air taxis as a futuristic alternative for getting to and from Olympic venues during the games.
The idea stems from a partnership between LA28 and Archer Aviation, a California-based aerospace company. The firm hopes to deploy a fleet of small electric aircraft that can pick up and drop off passengers within minutes, offering an escape from the city’s congested roads. The proposed flights would take about 10 to 20 minutes and connect key areas across the region.
The service would rely on Archer’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, which are designed to operate like helicopters but with less noise and fewer emissions. Their latest model, called Midnight, can carry four passengers and is expected to operate using an app similar to ride-hailing services. Archer says the pricing would be in line with high-end Uber rides.
This isn’t the first time flying taxis have been pitched for the Olympics. Paris had similar plans for the 2024 Games, but the aircraft didn’t receive the necessary safety certification in time. Archer is now facing the same challenge. Before it can begin commercial flights, the company needs approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The CEO of Archer, Adam Goldstein, is optimistic the aircraft will receive certification before the LA Games.
If approved, the air taxis would be available during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They would operate between a select number of sites, focusing on high-traffic venues. The company believes this could reshape how people experience big events in busy cities like Los Angeles.
Archer isn’t alone in the race to bring air taxis to life. Several firms around the world are developing similar vehicles, aiming to revolutionize short-distance travel. But so far, technical hurdles, strict regulations, and safety concerns have delayed their widespread use.
Backed by major players like Boeing and United Airlines, Archer is betting big on the 2028 Olympics as a turning point. The company hopes the global spotlight on Los Angeles will help showcase the potential of flying taxis and build public trust in the technology.
LA’s decision to ban cars from the Olympic zone in 2028 adds urgency to the need for fast and reliable alternatives. While earlier plans to expand the city’s rail and bus system fell short, officials are now looking to the skies for a new solution.
The use of air taxis during the games could mark a major shift in how cities plan transportation for large-scale events. Whether the technology will be ready in time remains uncertain, but the ambition behind the project points toward a bold vision for the future of urban travel.