'Dronban' plan is ready, cargo will reach the target with UAVs

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu gave information about the UAV corridors to be created within the scope of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Instruction (SHT-UHA) published by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) on July 30, 2026.

Emphasizing that the new regulation has prepared the necessary framework for long-distance, non-line-of-sight and autonomous flights of UAVs in designated airspace corridors, Uraloğlu stated that UAV corridors, also known as "drone highway", will come into play.

Minister Uraloğlu said, "We will create digitally defined airways in the sky. Thus, UAVs will be able to fly safely and in a controlled manner on determined routes. We will pave the way for a new transportation opportunity independent of road traffic." he said.

"FLIGHTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE DEFINED RULES"

Emphasizing that UAV corridors will be created by DGCA in coordination with relevant institutions and organizations, Uraloğlu explained that the boundaries of the corridors, entry and exit points, flight directions, capacities and minimum separation criteria between aircraft will be defined in the digital environment.

Uraloğlu informed that all this information will be published through DGCA's central digital platform, UAV Tracking and Traffic Management System (İHATTYS), and said, "The software of the UAVs will be able to read this data directly and the flights will be carried out within the framework of the determined rules. We will plan the corridors in a way that will not cut off the prohibited, restricted and dangerous areas and the areas for which NOTAM has been published." he said.

THE SYSTEM WILL OFFER IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITIES IN LOGISTICS AND HEALTH CARE TRANSPORTATION

Stating that long-distance and non-line-of-sight autonomous flights can be carried out in UAV corridors, Uraloğlu noted that flight routes will be created with the support of artificial intelligence.

Abdulkadir Uraloğlu pointed out that the routes of autonomous flights will be determined with the support of artificial intelligence, based on the shortest path and phase difference, and said, "Flight control will be provided through IHATTYS. In necessary cases, flight limits can be narrowed, routes can be changed, vehicles can be landed or flights can be terminated. In case of loss of connection, UAVs will be directed to predetermined rescue areas without passing over residential areas." he said.

CORRIDORS WILL BE CLOSED TO HOBBY FLIGHTS

Providing information about the usage areas of UAV corridors, Uraloğlu stated that the new system will offer important opportunities, especially in logistics and health transportation.

Minister Uraloğlu said, "Drone highways can be used in intercity cargo transportation and in regular autonomous flights between logistics and transfer centers. Blood, medicine, vaccines and medical samples can be transported between hospitals. Supply can be provided to islands and settlements where transportation is difficult during winter months." made his assessment.

Explaining that parts can be transferred between organized industrial zones, factories and ports with the system, Uraloğlu said that these corridors can also be used for long-distance inspections of energy transmission lines, pipelines, railways and highways.

Emphasizing that the flights to be carried out in the UAV corridors will be subject to certain authorization and technical conditions, Uraloğlu shared the following information:

"These corridors will be closed to hobby flights. Only pilots with a P2 license will be able to fly within authorized enterprises by obtaining the necessary operational authorizations from DGCA. The UAVs to be used will be required to be registered, have remote identification, geographical limitation and necessary software certificates. Notification will be made through IHATTYS before each flight. The routes of UAV corridors will be determined in coordination with the relevant institutions in line with the needs and announced through IHATTYS."