Israeli Planning Authority Develops National Policy for Drone Taxi Infrastructure

Israel's Planning Administration has initiated the development of the country's first national policy document to regulate the deployment of advanced aerial transportation infrastructure. This framework aims to establish drone landing sites for air taxis, cargo drones, emergency services, and similar uses, preparing the nation for a new era of mobility in the airspace. The initiative responds to ongoing population growth, urban expansion, and increasing road traffic congestion.

The Planning Administration views airspace as a complementary resource to existing transportation systems, enabling rapid and efficient movement of passengers, cargo, and essential services. The policy will focus on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, already operational in various countries, which can transport passengers, deliver goods, provide medical services, conduct emergency operations, and support security, agriculture, and logistics sectors.

The policy will evaluate three types of facilities: local landing pads (Vertipads) covering approximately 0.8 to 1.5 dunams, urban drone ports (Vertiports) spanning 2.5 to 7 dunams, and metropolitan drone terminals (Vertihubs) ranging from 12 to 27.5 dunams. These facilities will be integrated with public transportation systems and, in some cases, located on rooftops in city centers. The document will address safety, noise, environmental impact, airspace management, charging infrastructure, regulation, and urban integration.

The Planning Administration must also consider Israel's unique airspace challenges, including dense airspace, security needs, and varying population densities. The policy development follows initial requests to the Civil Aviation Authority and planning bodies for drone landing sites, aiming to provide a clear and unified regulatory framework.

The policy will draw on experiences from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Rafi Almaliah, CEO of the Planning Administration, emphasized the need to prepare for this transportation revolution, stating that the policy will foster innovation, economic growth, and safe, efficient integration of drone taxis and aerial services into Israel's airspace.