Hong Kong to change laws to allow for passenger drone flights

Hong Kong authorities plan to amend laws to allow passenger drone flights as part of the next phase of trials to develop the low-altitude economy, which will take a step forward next month with tests of food deliveries by air.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan unveiled more details about the second phase of testing on Sunday, including an expanded operating range.

The government earlier announced it would carry out more than 30 trial projects involving drones over the next six months as part of the first round of tests.

The trials will focus on food delivery, document transport and medical supply logistics, primarily in areas such as the Science Park and Cyberport.

On Sunday, Chan said phase two was set to expand the operating range to include areas surrounding the park and test drones capable of carrying people.

“But of course, the law does not yet permit this, and since we prioritise safety, passenger transport might not happen at such an early stage,” Chan said in a televised interview.