Uber to acquire FlyTaxi in bid to dominate Hong Kong’s taxi market

FlyTaxi will continue operating its app with no immediate changes for users or drivers.

Uber Technologies Inc. has agreed to acquire Hong Kong-based e-hailing taxi platform FlyTaxi, in a move aimed at expanding its presence in the city’s taxi sector and strengthening services for drivers and riders.

FlyTaxi is a mobile app that connects riders with licensed taxi drivers. The platform was launched in 2013 and operates as one of the earlier meter taxi e-hailing services in Hong Kong.

Following the acquisition, FlyTaxi will continue to operate under its existing app, with no immediate changes for users of either FlyTaxi or Uber, according to the companies.

Simon Siu, Founder of FlyTaxi, said the platform was built to modernise taxi services in Hong Kong and has grown into a widely used service among drivers and passegers.

“Since we launched as one of Hong Kong’s first taxi e-hailing platforms in 2013, our team has been dedicated to modernizing the taxi experience,” said Siu. “Joining forces with Uber is a proud milestone for our company.”

Estyn Chung, General Manager of Uber Hong Kong, said FlyTaxi has played a role in the local taxi sector and will complement Uber’s existing operations.

“FlyTaxi is a true Hong Kong startup success story and a pioneer in the local taxi space,” Chung said. “By combining FlyTaxi's local expertise with Uber's technology, we are supporting drivers and maintaining service levels for riders.”

Uber said the deal is part of its continued investment in Hong Kong’s taxi industry and will bring together FlyTaxi’s local operations with its global platform and technology capabilities.

Uber said the acquisition forms part of its long-standing presence in Hong Kong’s ride-hailing market, where it has operated for over a decade and maintained links with the local taxi industry through platform integrations and partnerships. 

The company said the move is intended to strengthen digital access to taxi services, which remain part of Hong Kong’s broader transport system alongside traditional street-hail operations.

The acquisition comes as Hong Kong prepares to implement a new ride-hailing regulatory framework that will affect the taxi industry. The Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-Hailing Service) Bill 2025, passed last October, introduces licensing requirements for platforms, vehicles, and drivers.