Málaga province is expected to host early test flights of electric aircraft designed for passenger and freight transport, according to an announcement made at an aviation forum in the city. The trials are planned for around November 2028.
The aircraft are known as electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles, or eVTOLs. They are intended to take off and land vertically, and the planned tests would explore their use as air taxis and for carrying cargo.
The proposed routes include connections from Málaga city to Marbella and Vélez-Málaga. Almería was also named as a destination in the announcement, although the available information does not set out how that route would be operated or whether it forms part of the same trial programme.
Manufacturers Vertical and Odys are expected to carry out the first trials, according to the announcement. It does not provide details on the aircraft, passenger capacity, cargo loads, flight frequency or the precise locations of take-off and landing sites.
The plans were presented on Thursday at the IAM Open Forum, held at the Rayo Verde building at the University of Málaga. The event brought together representatives of public bodies, aviation businesses and operators to discuss the future of air taxis and cargo drones in Europe.
The 2028 date is a target for trial flights, not confirmation of a passenger service. No timetable for public access, fares or routine operations has been announced. Further information will be needed to establish how the trials will work and what permissions they require.
For residents and travellers, the immediate significance is that Málaga is being considered as a test area for a new form of short-distance air transport. Any practical effect on journeys will depend on the results of the trials and on decisions about routes, infrastructure and eventual services.