A live demonstration held in northern Spain has highlighted how advanced digital airspace services can support the safe integration of drones alongside conventional aircraft, particularly during time-critical missions.

The event took place in Lumbier, Navarre, and was part of the European U-ELCOME project. Backed by the SESAR JU and coordinated by EUROCONTROL, U-ELCOME involves 51 partners and aims to make drone operations a routine and reliable part of Europe’s airspace through the deployment of U-space services.

Led locally by the Government of Navarre, the demonstration featured participation from ENAIRE, ITG, the Public University of Navarre, FUVEX, NAITEC and the flight centre itself. Working jointly, these entities assessed how U-space can enhance emergency missions that require coordination between unmanned and crewed aviation. ENAIRE, Spain’s national provider of air navigation services and SESAR JU member, plays a key role in U-ELCOME by contributing its experience in managing complex airspace operations. The organisation is also deeply involved in Europe’s broader efforts to modernise air traffic management through its participation in SESAR JU, the A6 Alliance, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO,and ICAO.

The trial centred on a simulated emergency scenario, in which a fire prompted immediate changes to flight permissions and priorities. Airspace users included a helicopter, a light aircraft, and four drones operating as part of the emergency response. The digital platforms were used to manage the situation dynamically, including revoking previously cleared drone flights and enabling new ones in real time. The demonstration was completed safely for all participating aircraft.

This operational flexibility, enabled by U-space services, offers a glimpse into how public authorities could one day safely oversee complex aerial operations in cities and regions during emergencies or special events, marking a pathway toward greener, more integrated urban environments.

The U-ELCOME project is co-funded under the CEF Transport programme, managed by  CINEA and supported by the SESAR Joint Undertaking, under grant agreement number 101079171. 

More about the project