Vietnam province wants to test unmanned flying taxis near tourist hub Quy Nhon

Gia Lai Province in central Vietnam has sought government approval for trialing unmanned electric flying taxis near its coastal hub of Quy Nhon from October this year through the end of 2028.

It plans to test an Advanced Air Mobility model using vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Initial operations will focus on low-density population areas and flight corridors over water surfaces across two main routes.

The first, measuring 3.4 kilometers, will connect the Children's park to the marina between Quy Nhon and Quy Nhon Nam wards.

Designed to verify technology, standard operating procedures, and emergency response capabilities, this leg will also offer low-altitude views over the local bay.

The second route, of around 22 kilometers, will link Phu Cat Airport with the Grand Music Festival Center under the Blooming Sky project in Cat Tien Commune.

Utilizing one to two vehicles provided by corporate partners, this corridor aims to evaluate small-group transfers from transport hubs to major destinations.

Extending along a 134-kilometer coastline, a 80-kilometer international border, and diverse landscapes bridging sea and highlands, Gia Lai authorities expect the aerial mobility ecosystem to transform regional transport links, reduce travel times, and deliver novel travel experiences for visitors to Vietnam.

The system is also targeted at assisting with emergency medical transport and search-and-rescue operations.

The trial will be carried out in three phases: non-flight preparations, unloaded test flights followed by expert-led trials, and limited passenger transport trials.

Transitioning between phases will strictly depend on meeting defined safety milestones.

The coastline in Quy Nhon, Gia Lai Province. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Hoa

Public funding will cover management tasks, independent safety assessments, training, oversight, and dedicated infrastructure.

Participating businesses and investors will provide the vehicles, personnel, operational maintenance, insurance, and incident response mechanisms.

The Gia Lai People's Committee assured that the testing would comply scrupulously with national defense, security, and aviation safety standards, operate on a small scale with real-time monitoring, and have an immediate halt protocol if needed.

Commercial passenger services will only be authorized once aircraft, crews, airspace, and vertiports fully satisfy all legal requirements.

Unmanned air taxis are currently limited to cargo transport trials, with no passenger-carrying test programs yet underway.

Earlier, Hanoi also proposed controlled testing for flying taxis at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park to evaluate future low-altitude economic models.