Public support for the use of drones is growing, according to research conducted by the UK’s air traffic services provider, NATS.
Figures in the latest edition of the Aviation Index – NATS’ annual survey of the UK public carried out by Ipsos – show that drones are increasingly seen as valuable, practical tools for delivering essential services. Public confidence depends heavily on how drones are regulated, where they are used, and the transparency of their purpose.
The UK public expressed support for the use of drones for emergency response, with 86% voicing approval, up from 76% in 2024. Likewise drones for infrastructure inspections were welcomed by 81%, up from 71% in 2024. The use of drones for delivery services was also supported by 58% of respondents.
These figures are in stark contrast to the 2021 survey when just 29% of people told NATS they believed the benefits of drones outweighed the negatives, demonstrating how far public opinion has shifted as the application of drones has grown.
Similarly, openness to advanced air mobility solutions has grown, with 40% of people saying they would likely take a flying taxi if available, up from 34% in 2024. Of those who were unwilling, safety and cost were highlighted as the main reservations, but NATS believes the upward trend in acceptance could signal a shift in attitudes.
“Growing public support is a testament to the innovative operators who are leveraging these technologies to deliver safer, greener, and more efficient services across various applications,” Richard Ellis, Director of New Airspace Users at NATS Services, said. “The challenge now is to enable these pioneers to scale and grow safely, integrating them seamlessly with existing airspace users. I believe the technologies and operational concepts we are developing are part of the solution, and we are excited to be contributing to a bright future.”
The full results of the latest NATS Aviation Index are available to download.
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