Innovative Air Mobility and Services — Role of cities

Cities will play a significant role in managing the complexities of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), focusing on creating sustainable and affordable mobility solutions aligned with the European Green Deal goals. UAM goes beyond aviation technology, involving mobility planning and urban development. City planners will play a crucial role in emphasising the importance of integrating UAM into urban mobility planning, and cities will define UAM services based on citizen needs by encouraging public involvement and acceptance. The introduction of UAM requires a strategic, long-term decision considering various high-level fields such as innovation strategy and urban planning to ensure a responsible and sustainable UAM ecosystem.

The role of cities in Innovative Air Mobility and Services is evolving rapidly and may include:

• Define the characteristics of UAM services: Cities and regions are best placed to determine the needs and preferences of their citizens and stakeholders, and to shape the UAM services accordingly. They can also set the standards and criteria for UAM operations, such as safety, noise, emissions, and accessibility.
• Integrate UAM into sustainable urban mobility planning: Cities and regions should consider UAM as a complementary mode of transport that can contribute to smart and sustainable mobility goals. They should follow the SUMP principles and cycle to plan, implement, and evaluate UAM initiatives in a holistic and participatory way. See the SUMP Practitioner Briefing on Urban Air Mobility.
• Collaborate with UAM stakeholders and communities: Cities and regions should engage with various actors involved in UAM, such as industry, regulators, researchers, and civil society. They should also foster public involvement and acceptance of UAM, as well as social and environmental responsibility.
• Innovate and experiment with UAM solutions: Cities and regions should explore the potential and challenges of UAM, and learn from the experiences of pioneering cities and regions that have been involved in UAM projects. They should also leverage the opportunities offered by UAM for urban innovation and development.

To support cities effectively in their journey the Urban Air Mobility Initiative Cities Community (UIC2) has developed a practitioners guide from cities for cities. The “Role and Responsibilities of Local Authorities in Drone Services and Logistics Operations" guide provides a comprehensive framework for cities and local governments navigating the integration of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) into urban environments. This collaborative document highlights the critical role of municipalities in shaping UAM governance, from urban planning and infrastructure development to public engagement and regulatory alignment. It addresses key challenges such as regulatory gaps, limited municipal expertise, public acceptance, and funding needs, while offering actionable recommendations for stronger coordination between local authorities, national regulators, and industry stakeholders. Through case studies, best practices, and policy insights, the guide empowers cities to proactively influence UAM deployment—ensuring safe, sustainable, and community-aligned aerial operations. By advocating for clearer legal competencies, dedicated funding, and transparent public dialogue, the guide supports cities in harnessing UAM’s potential to enhance mobility, reduce emissions, and improve urban resilience. A valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, and aviation authorities, it underscores the importance of multilevel governance and innovation in building the future of urban airspace.

For further reading, please also consult the UIC2 website and the  ELTIS urban mobility observatory.

What the EASA IAM Hub can do for cities

The IAM Hub is a unique digital platform designed to provide key information to all stakeholders in Europe to safely, securely, and sustainably integrate drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles into their urban ecosystems. 

The Public Zone of the IAM Hub serves as a trusted source of drone information, offering a centralized repository of regulations, case studies, and best practices tailored to urban environments. 

Interested cities are also invited to request access to the Member Zone of the IAM Hub. Through the IAM Hub Member Zone, cities can easily connect with other stakeholders—including national authorities, operators, manufacturers, and fellow municipalities—to share knowledge, collaborate on cross-border operations, and foster a harmonized approach to air mobility. The Member Zone provides practical tools and resources including for operational risk assessment (eSORA - electronic Specific Operations Risk Assessment). Cities can access up-to-date noise and sustainability data, enabling them to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of innovative air mobility and make informed decisions that align with the EU’s Green Deal and Digital Agenda.

What do we know about societal acceptance of drone and eVTOLs in Europe?

As EASA developed the regulatory framework to accommodate routine drone and urban mobility operations, it became apparent that comprehending and addressing societal concerns and citizens' expectations were paramount. It was imperative for the regulator to establish the right regulatory objectives and actions. To achieve this, EASA conducted an extensive study on the societal acceptance of UAM operations within the European Union.

This comprehensive study, from November 2020 to April 2021, yielded ten vital insights:

1. Across the European Union, there was an initial positive disposition towards UAM.
2. A resounding endorsement for use cases that offer public value, such as emergency and medical applications.
3. The top three anticipated benefits were speed, environmental friendliness, and enhanced connectivity.
4. The foremost concerns revolved around safety, environmental impact and noise levels.
5. Safety benchmarks were rooted in existing aviation standards.
6. Environmental protection, especially wildlife conservation, emerged as a priority.
7. Noise levels were considered acceptable at the level of familiar city sounds.
8. Building confidence and trust among citizens was an imperative task.
9. Seamless integration of ground infrastructure was deemed essential.
10. Collaboration among regulatory authorities at all levels was underscored as a fundamental requirement.

EASA's commitment to understanding and addressing these considerations underlines its dedication to fostering safe, sustainable, and widely accepted urban aviation solutions for the future.

View the EASA Study on the societal acceptance of UAM operations.