Skellefteå inaugurates Sweden's first urban drone airport

It started as an idea on a post-it note during a workshop in 2021. Four years later, Skellefteå Droneport is inaugurated - Sweden's first urban drone airport and one of Europe's most ambitious testbeds for drone technology.

Behind the project is a collaboration between Skellefteå Municipality, Skellefteå Kraft, Skellefteå Science City, Skanska and Skellefteå Airport. Together they have created a platform for testing, development and commercialization of drone technology, with a particular focus on meeting challenges in sparsely populated areas and cold climates.

Skellefteå's geographical location offers unique conditions for drone testing all year round, thanks to its cold climate and relatively clear airspace. This makes Droneport an ideal location for developing drone solutions that can improve accessibility and efficiency in the transportation sector.

The facility is equipped with a 15x15 meter take-off and landing area, heated hangar, office and conference space, as well as advanced technologies such as 5G connectivity and the possibility of both VLOS and BVLOS flights. The buildings are modularly designed with a focus on sustainability and reuse.

Sustainability has been a key aspect of the project. The asphalt on the site contains pine oil as a binder, which has reduced CO₂ emissions by seven tons compared to traditional materials. In addition, the CLIMB project has helped to promote biodiversity by creating meadows and installing bat and bird boxes.

The opening ceremony brings together representatives from technology companies, authorities and research institutions to discuss the role of drone technology in the society of the future.

Skellefteå Droneport represents an investment in the transport system of the future, where innovation and collaboration are at the center. With this inauguration, Skellefteå takes a step closer to becoming a leading player in sustainable and technological development.