Passenger drone tests begin at Port City ahead of 11 Nov. demo

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

No regulatory framework or timeline for commercial services announced

Passenger drones are being test flown at Colombo Port City ahead of an official demonstration on 11 November, as Sri Lanka explores the introduction of electric air transport.

The flights form part of a pilot initiative with Guangzhou, China-based EHang Holdings, an autonomous aviation technology company specialising in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft which lift off vertically and fly on battery power.

A video circulating on social media shows a passenger drone, reportedly able to carry two people, being flown inside the Port City area.

The Defence Ministry said the demonstration would show how the technology could improve urban air mobility and offer new travel experiences for local and foreign tourists. The initiative also covers tourism and logistics use.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has held discussions with EHang Holdings and relevant Government authorities on introducing the technology. No regulatory framework, operator, or timeline for commercial services has been announced, and no cost has been disclosed for the pilot.