An exclusive invitation-only, C-level drone and urban air mobility event in Europe 

Aerial Cities, DroneTalks’ exclusive, invitation-only C-level event, will take place on 4-5 November 2026 in Fuerteventura, Spain, at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos, in collaboration with Parque Tecnológico de Fuerteventura and the Cabildo de Fuerteventura. A pre-event networking reception will be held on 3 November, sponsored by ResilienX. 

Now in its fifth edition, Aerial Cities has established itself as a key meeting point for senior decision-makers working across drones, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Previous editions have been hosted in Bern (2022–2023), London (2024), and Dublin (2025), bringing together global leaders from across the industry. 

The 2026 edition builds on previous editions, offering a closed-door environment focused on practical discussions around deployment and scalability. 

As drone operations move from testing into real-world deployment, the industry is entering a critical phase. Cities, regulators, and operators are no longer exploring possibilities, but addressing how to safely integrate drones, eVTOLs, and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) into shared, multi-layered airspace. 

This shift brings new challenges around airspace coordination, infrastructure, safety, and public acceptance. Aerial Cities 2026 takes place at a moment when alignment between these actors is essential to move from isolated projects to scalable operations. 

Aerial Cities 2026 agenda: key topics in drone and AAM deployment  

The 2026 programme focuses on the key challenges in drone and AAM deployment, with a strong emphasis on real-world use cases and operational integration. Discussions will address how the industry moves beyond pilot projects, with sessions exploring what is required to scale aerial ecosystems, from regulatory approval and infrastructure readiness to commercial viability, including: 

• Implementation of U-Space and coordination with ANSPs in urban environments 

• Integration of drones, eVTOLs, and HAPS within shared, multi-layered airspace 

• Infrastructure readiness, including vertiports and city-level deployment strategies 

• Connectivity solutions enabling scalable BVLOS drone operations, including telecom integration 

• Drone applications in logistics, emergency response, and critical infrastructure operations 

• Data-driven safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance (SORA) 

• Commercial scaling strategies and viable business models 

• Public acceptance, societal impact, and city-level adoption 

The event is designed to move beyond high-level discussions, focusing on operational challenges faced by organisations already deploying drone and AAM solutions. 

Sessions will include discussions on topics such as operationalising U-Space in real environments, integrating drones and HAPS within multi-layered airspace, and understanding regulation as a key enabler of scalable operations. The programme will also address emerging areas such as dual-use aerial systems, the role of cities as deployment environments, and the transition from concept of operations to approved, real-world flights. 

Building on the success of Aerial Cities 2025 in Dublin 

The 2025 edition, held in Dublin, brought together over 170 C-level executives from across the drone and AAM ecosystem, representing the full value chain that is needed to move from concept to implementation. 

Participants included: 

• 90+ leaders from drone operators, manufacturers, and AAM technology providers 

• 30+ public authorities and Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs)  

• 30+ first responders and infrastructure operators  

• 15+ telecommunications and mobility organisations  

• 7 institutional investors  

Across two days and 13 sessions, discussions addressed key operational and strategic challenges, including U-Space implementation, supply chain resilience, infrastructure readiness, investment strategies, public acceptance, and pathways to commercial deployment. 

Participants included representatives from organisations such as ENAIRE, ResilienX, BCN Drone Center, uAvionix, and Murzilli Consulting, alongside public authorities, operators, and infrastructure stakeholders. 

A closed-door forum for decision-makers in aerial mobility 

Aerial Cities is designed as an invitation-only event, ensuring that there is a carefully curated audience of senior representatives from: 

• Public authorities and regulators 

• Civil aviation authorities and ANSPs 

• Cities and municipalities 

• Drone operators and technology providers 

• Infrastructure and vertiport developers 

• Telecommunications providers 

• First responders and emergency services 

• Defence and dual-use stakeholders 

• Investors 

This format allows for more direct, high-value interaction between stakeholders who are actively working on implementation and operations. By bringing these actors together in the same room, the event facilitates alignment, collaboration, and faster decision-making, which are essential for scaling drone operations safely and efficiently. 

The importance of collaboration in scaling drone operations 

Aerial Cities brings together regulators, cities, operators, and infrastructure providers to address real operational challenges, from airspace design and safety to infrastructure and commercial viability. 

This is particularly relevant for governments and municipalities working to integrate aerial mobility into public services, infrastructure planning, and urban transport systems. 

Confirmed partners and sponsors for Aerial Cities 2026 

Confirmed partners and sponsors for the 2026 edition include: 

• ENAIRE  

• ResilienX  

• BCN Drone Center  

• Moonrock Drone Insurance  

• uAvionix  

• Murzilli Consulting  

• Tulsa 

In addition to the event partners, Parque Tecnológico de Fuerteventura and Cabildo de Fuerteventura, these organisations play an important role in supporting the development and delivery of the event. 

Aerial Cities is delivered on a non-profit basis, with all sponsorship contributions fully allocated to the organisation and execution of the event. 

Speaker opportunities and industry participation 

Aerial Cities 2026 is currently inviting organisations interested in: 

• Speaking opportunities  

• Sponsorship and partnerships  

• Attending as participants  

The event offers a platform to share expertise, showcase innovation, and contribute to the deployment of aerial mobility through focused, high-level discussions. 

An invitation-only event for aerial mobility leaders 

Aerial Cities is designed to connect decision-makers working directly on the deployment of drone and advanced air mobility operations. As the industry moves toward commercial implementation, alignment between regulators, cities, operators, and infrastructure providers becomes increasingly critical. 

The event provides a focused, closed-door environment where discussions lead to actionable outcomes, covering areas like regulatory frameworks, infrastructure readiness, operational deployment, and commercial development. 

Join Aerial Cities 2026 in Fuerteventura 

Organisers are currently preparing the next edition of Aerial Cities and welcoming organisations interested in participating. 

Further details on the agenda, confirmed speakers, and additional partners will be announced in the coming months. 

Discover partnership, speaker, and attendance opportunities: 
https://aerialcities.dronetalks.online/