Málaga Airport is set to become one of Europe’s leading test sites for urban air mobility, with electric air taxis expected to begin trial flights between Málaga and Marbella in 2028 as part of a major EU-funded research project.
Spanish air navigation service provider Enaire has announced its participation in the European VERTI-GO (Vertical Operations Ready to Go) project, an initiative funded by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. The project aims to develop and validate the procedures, technologies and digital services needed to safely integrate advanced air mobility aircraft, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis and cargo drones, into European airspace.
Málaga-Marbella Corridor Selected for Air Taxi Trials
One of the project’s key milestones will be the launch of real-world demonstration flights on the proposed air corridor between Málaga Airport and Marbella. The medium-range passenger eVTOL trials are scheduled to begin in 2028, marking a significant step toward the commercial deployment of air taxis in Europe.
According to Enaire, the Málaga-Marbella corridor is among the most promising urban air mobility routes currently under evaluation across the European Union. The project has already attracted interest from multiple operators expected to compete for future commercial services on the route.
The VERTI-GO project has a total budget of €6.77 million, including €5 million in funding from the European Union. It is coordinated by Honeywell Aerospace and brings together a consortium of 12 international partners, including Aena, Eurocontrol, NATS, CRIDA, ITG, Frequentis, Vertical Aerospace, ODYS Aviation and Aerosolutions.
The initiative will run from June 2026 until May 2029 and is focused on creating the operational procedures, automation systems and safety standards that will allow electric air taxis and cargo drones to operate alongside conventional commercial aircraft in European airspace.
Málaga Airport, which first opened in 1919 and remains the only airport in Aena’s network operating from its original location, is once again positioning itself at the forefront of aviation innovation as Europe prepares for the next generation of air transport.
