More than a quarter of Russians, about 26 percent, express readiness to try drone taxis after completing the required tests and trials. In total, a sizable 43 percent of the population shows interest in this new form of urban mobility. These figures come from a survey conducted by a transportation research organization that surveyed public attitudes toward aerial taxi services. The survey reveals a broad curiosity about air-based transport and a recognition of its potential to transform how people move within cities and across regions.
According to the study, roughly every second respondent views air taxis in a positive light. The imagined roles for this technology are concrete and practical; many respondents associate drone taxis with aiding in search operations for missing persons, supporting rescue teams, and delivering essential supplies, including food. This reflects an expectation that unmanned air systems could supplement ground resources during emergencies and natural disasters, providing rapid access to hard-to-reach areas and complements to traditional responders.
Financial perspectives from the survey show appetite for air taxi fares that align with conventional taxi prices during peak hours for a notable portion of riders. About 37 percent of participants said they would pay the same amount as a typical ride during rush hour, with the typical price range cited between 100 and 500 rubles depending on distance and service level. Notably, around one in five respondents indicated a willingness to spend several thousand rubles for an unmanned taxi ride, highlighting a segment of luxury or premium service interest that could accompany longer trips, specialized missions, or premium safety features as the technology matures.
Looking ahead, more than a quarter of the population—26 percent—believe unmanned taxis will become a common option within ten years, while 14 percent anticipate adoption within three to five years. These timelines reflect a cautious but growing belief that drone taxi operations will become integrated into urban transport ecosystems as testing progresses, regulatory frameworks evolve, and public comfort with automated flight increases. The evolving landscape suggests a gradual rollout, starting with controlled routes, specific use cases, and pilot programs that build trust and demonstrate reliability before broader deployment.
In a related regional development, airports in a Gulf capital are planning to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) taxis. The move signals a broader global interest in electric air mobility and the potential for cross-border adoption in premium city-to-city transit corridors. As cities experiment with these technologies, many observers expect a multi-stage path that blends manned and unmanned services, advanced safety systems, and new air traffic management solutions to keep operations efficient and safe for the public.—[citation] Additional pilots and infrastructure investments are anticipated to follow as demand for rapid, flexible urban transportation grows across major urban centers and airport hubs.