Public support for drones in the UK reaches new heights – sUAS News
Public support for the use of drones is growing, according to research conducted by the air traffic service, NATS.
Figures in the latest edition of the Aviation Index – NATS’ annual survey of the UK public carried out by Ipsos – show that drones are increasingly seen as valuable, practical tools for delivering essential services.
The UK public expressed support for the use of drones for emergency response, with 86% voicing approval, up from 76% in 2024. Likewise drones for infrastructure inspections were welcomed by 81%, up from 71% in 2024. The use of drones for delivery services was also supported 58% of respondents.
In 2021, just 29% of people told NATS they believed the benefits of drones outweighed the negatives. These latest figures demonstrate how far public opinion has shifted as the application of drones has grown. Today, drones are being routinely used for everything from delivering blood samples for the NHS over Central London, to measuring oil and gas rig emissions in the North Sea .
Similarly, openness to advanced air mobility solutions has grown, with 40% of people saying they would likely take a flying taxi if available, up from 34% in 2024. Of those who were unwilling, safety and cost were highlighted as the main reservations, but the upward trend in acceptance could signal a shift in attitudes.