Higher-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and airspace integration: from concept to operational reality

Higher-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) are moving from conceptual discussion into early operational reality, bringing with them a set of technical, regulatory and institutional questions that the aviation sector is only beginning to address. This was the focus of a recent webinar by DroneTalks in collaboration with CANSO. The webinar was moderated by Lorenzo Murzilli, Co-founder and CEO of Murzilli Consulting, bringing together a panel of experts working across air traffic management, high-altitude operations and emerging aviation systems. It featured Nicki Harricharan, Operations Programme Manager at CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation), Léonard Bouygues, Director of Aviation Strategy at Sceye, Marta García Gutiérrez, UAS Programme Manager at Telespazio Ibérica, and Jesús Antonio García Muñoz, Head of ATFCM/ASM Division and Air Traffic Controller at ENAIRE, the Spanish Air Navigation Service Provider.

HAPS as an emerging operational reality

A central point throughout the discussion was that HAPS are no longer theoretical systems. Multiple participants referenced ongoing flight activity and accumulated operational experience across different missions and environments. However, despite this progress, operations remain largely managed on a case-by-case basis rather than through harmonised or scalable frameworks.

This creates a transitional phase in which HAPS are operationally active, but not yet fully embedded within structured airspace management systems. The result is a landscape where each operation requires tailored coordination and approval processes.

Integrating HAPS into the stratospheric airspace layer

The panel consistently highlighted that HAPS introduce a new operational layer in the stratosphere that must be integrated into an already complex airspace environment. This environment includes conventional aviation, military operations and other emerging uses of airspace, all of which interact within shared systems.

The integration challenge is therefore not limited to altitude separation, but extends to coordination across multiple users, operational models and regulatory domains. This requires alignment between different stakeholders and the development of shared approaches to managing increasingly layered airspace activity.

Regulatory and operational challenges for HAPS integration

A significant part of the discussion focused on regulatory adaptation, particularly the use of existing methodologies such as SORA for operational authorisation. While these frameworks provide a structured basis for risk assessment, speakers noted that they were originally designed with other types of operations in mind.

As a result, adapting them to HAPS-specific characteristics introduces challenges. These include long-endurance missions, variable performance conditions depending on environmental factors, and the need for sustained connectivity and operational control over extended periods. The panel highlighted that these factors require careful consideration within current regulatory processes.

Early HAPS operational experience and coordination challenges

Speakers also reflected on early operational experience, including real-world HAPS projects involving coordination with multiple stakeholders such as air navigation service providers, airports and local regulatory authorities. These interactions underline the multi-layered nature of HAPS integration, where operational approval depends on alignment across several institutions.

Operational uncertainty and fragmentation were identified as key challenges. In particular, the lack of harmonised procedures across different jurisdictions means that operators often need to navigate complex and varying requirements for similar types of missions.

Role of ANSPs in a changing airspace

The role of air navigation service providers (ANSPs) was discussed in relation to increasing airspace complexity. As new operational layers such as HAPS are introduced, ANSPs are required to support integration within existing air traffic management systems while maintaining safety and efficiency.

This includes adapting to different performance characteristics of emerging systems and ensuring that new users can be incorporated without degrading the performance of existing ATM networks. The discussion positioned ANSPs as key enablers of integration within a broader system-wide transformation.

What comes next for HAPS integration

The webinar concluded that while HAPS operations are already a reality, their integration into scalable and routine airspace systems remains at an early stage. Progress will depend on continued coordination between regulators, operators and industry stakeholders, alongside the gradual development of more harmonised operational and regulatory frameworks capable of supporting this emerging layer of aviation activity.

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