Urban airspace is becoming increasingly important in the development of new mobility solutions, especially regarding the use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. The CITYAM project helps cities prepare for these changes by developing effective tools for urban airspace management and planning. The project promotes the development of a sustainable and safe unmanned aerial vehicle system that can be integrated into the urban transport ecosystem.
The Significance of the Project for Riga
Drones are also becoming increasingly popular in Latvia; however, there is a lack of appropriate legal regulation and infrastructure for their safe and efficient use in urban environments. To ensure the successful integration of these technologies, thoughtful planning, clear guidelines, and cooperation between cities, businesses, and state institutions are necessary. The CITYAM project helps Riga prepare for the future of air mobility, providing city residents with a safer and more sustainable environment.
Target of the Project
To develop guidelines for the integration of drones into the urban mobility system, create an effective legal framework for their use, and strengthen international cooperation in urban airspace management.
Benefits for Residents
✔ A safer and more organized urban airspace;
✔ Clear rules and guidelines for the use of drones in the city;
✔ A more efficient and sustainable mobility system that includes air transport.
Project Activities
✔ Creation of a planning and selection tool for drones landing sites in Riga;
✔ Development of guidelines for the integration of drones into the urban mobility ecosystem;
✔ Creation of a roadmap for the development of urban air mobility;
✔ Analysis and implementation of international best practices based on Hamburg (Germany) and Stockholm (Sweden).
Project Results
✔ Developed legal and urban planning solutions to enable drones to operate safely in urban environments;
✔ Established a mechanism for urban airspace planning and management;
✔ Promoted cooperation between the public and private sectors for innovation development.
Funding, Duration, and Partners
Funding source: Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021 – 2027
Total project budget: EUR 3 717 080
Total budget for Riga:
EU funding for Riga Municipality: EUR 178 193 (90%)
Co-financing by Riga Municipality: EUR 19 799 (10%)
Implementation Period: 01.01.2023 – 31.12.2025
Project Partners: Forum Virium Helsinki (Finland, lead partner), Riga City Municipality, Riga Technical University, as well as partners from Germany, Sweden, Estonia, and Poland
Contact Information
Jānis Andiņš, Chief Project Manager, Mobility Division
Riga City Council, City Development Department
Email: janis.andins@riga.lv
Kristaps Niedols, CITYAM Project Expert
Riga City Council, City Development Department
Email: kristaps.niedols@riga.lv
Project Links
RDPAD » City Preparation for Sustainable Mobility in Urban Airspace (CITYAM)
CITYAM – Interreg Baltic Sea Region
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