Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority aims to establish an operating framework and initial regulation for low-altitude urban airspace by the first half of 2027. The target was presented at Israel’s first professional advanced air mobility conference, held at Park Atidim Tel Aviv.
Four conditions before urban air taxis can operate
Civil Aviation Authority director Shmuel Zakai outlined four requirements: aircraft capability, ground infrastructure for takeoff and landing, airspace regulation and compatibility with Israel’s security constraints. Local authorities, he said, will need a role in managing the airspace closest to the ground.
Israel does not yet have the infrastructure for large-scale commercial operations. Conference speakers discussed the possible use of rooftops and existing urban sites, as well as the need to plan connections with ground transport and safety systems in advance.
Rome’s lesson: build the system before the aircraft arrive
Carlo Torsi, former CEO of UrbanV, described Rome’s attempt to launch an air-taxi service. The project advanced between 2022 and 2024 but stopped at the end of 2024, partly because commercial aircraft were not ready. His central lesson was that cities must prepare regulation and infrastructure before the vehicles reach the market.
Tel Aviv already uses drones
Deputy Mayor Meital Lehavi said Tel Aviv-Yafo already uses drones for event management, safety, security and monitoring. She said urgent and medical deliveries could be a next step, while passenger eVTOL operations would require national regulation and close coordination with municipalities.
Park Atidim CEO Eyal Green said the conference was intended to connect regulators, municipalities, technology companies and infrastructure bodies so the discussion can move beyond trials and demonstrations.
