The Year Flying Cars Finally Took Off — Almost

This year delivered a wave of flying-vehicle demonstrations from around the world, each offering a glimpse into a future where commuters may travel above traffic instead of sitting in it.

XPENG’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” debuted in Dubai, showcasing an eVTOL aircraft that folds into a six-wheel off-road vehicle designed for short 20-minute flights.

In California, Alef Aeronautics’ Model Zero briefly lifted off, illustrating its concept for a flying car capable of traveling up to 200 miles by road or air.

Slovakia’s Klein Vision unveiled a new production-ready AirCar featuring retractable wings and a more powerful aviation engine, while China showcased an autonomous AirCab built for low-altitude tourism.

Cargo drones capable of hauling heavy loads were also on display. Yet aviation experts caution that pilot licensing, certification hurdles, air-traffic management, and technology limitations stand between these prototypes and everyday use.