Sri Lanka Explores Passenger Drone Service Linking Airport and Colombo

Sri Lanka has begun exploring the possibility of introducing passenger drone services, with Chinese autonomous aerial vehicle company EHang presenting its technology to government officials.

A special meeting was held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation with Minister Anura Karunathilaka and an EHang delegation, including Chief Financial Officer Conor Yang and General Manager of Operations Xiao Na Lee.

The proposed service could support a range of applications, including tourism, emergency and disaster response, and maritime operations, according to the minister.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that commercial passenger drone operations would require comprehensive regulatory approvals covering aviation safety, air traffic management, emergency response procedures, cybersecurity, data protection and designated landing locations.

The initiative would also require coordination among several government agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Air Force, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Board of Investment, Colombo Port City Commission, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Airport and Aviation Services.

EHang representatives briefed officials on its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The two-passenger aircraft presented is equipped with 16 propellers, 12 battery packs and three flight-control systems, and can reportedly operate autonomously through a central control facility using AI technology.

Potential tourism applications discussed included aerial services around Sigiriya and Pidurangala, as well as passenger flights within Colombo and Port City. The establishment of a demonstration zone in Port City was also proposed.

According to the EHang presentation, a passenger travelling from Bandaranaike International Airport to a Colombo hotel could potentially pay between US$20 and US$30 for a trip if the service is introduced.

However, the proposed passenger drone network remains at the discussion and planning stage. Significant regulatory, safety and operational requirements would need to be addressed before commercial services could begin.