Could Air Taxis Help Beat Israel’s Traffic? A New Push to Organize the Skies

Traffic jams in Israel have long since become a national scourge, and planning officials are searching for creative solutions. Until now, the focus has been on trains, the metro, and bike paths. But now, attention is turning upward—to the skies. According to a report in "Globes," the Planning Administration has begun drafting a national policy document aimed at regulating infrastructure for drones and electric aircraft, and making them an integral part of the national transportation system.

The technology behind this vision is electric aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capability (eVTOL). These aircraft do not require long runways and are intended for a wide range of missions, from passenger flights and air taxis to transporting medical cargo, emergency equipment, and agricultural and security needs. 

On the ground, Cando Drones, which is controlled by the Rami Levy chain, stands out as a prominent example in the field. The company has already completed more than 1,200 commercial deliveries, including the transfer of life-saving medical equipment between hospitals such as Rambam in Haifa and the hospital in Nahariya, and it continues to expand its operations with aircraft capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms.

המהפכה האווירית בדרך לעיר הגדולה

The new plan defines several types of landing facilities that would be integrated into cities. There will be small local landing pads called Vertipad, larger urban drone ports known as Vertiport, and at the top of the pyramid, major metropolitan terminals called Vertihub, which would connect aerial transportation to existing transit systems, including trains and buses. Some of these facilities are planned for construction on the rooftops of buildings in dense urban areas.

The need to formulate this policy is becoming more urgent in light of the many inquiries reaching planning institutions and the Civil Aviation Authority. Rafi Elmaleh, Director General of the Planning Administration, explained the importance of the move: "Just as the State of Israel prepared for the light rail and metro revolution, we must already today prepare for the next revolution in transportation. Advanced aerial transportation is expected to change the way people, goods, and services move through space, and our role is to make sure the infrastructure and planning are ready for it.”

Alongside the Planning Administration, industry leaders also see the project as a strategic opportunity. Yoeli Or, CEO of Cando Drones, stressed that the potential goes far beyond point-to-point transport: "Israel is facing a real national opportunity to develop the aerial dimension as a new transportation space. Unlike roads, bridges, tunnels, or underground infrastructure, drone traffic for deliveries, logistics, and even air taxis can be based on existing infrastructure and provide a fast, efficient, and cost-effective solution.”

Or noted that the technological infrastructure already exists, and that together with the Civil Aviation Authority and Ayalon Highways, dozens of potential flight routes have already been defined. The goal of all the parties involved is to turn the policy document into a practical working tool that will enable the field to grow safely, while reducing traffic congestion on Israel’s roads.