Flying into the future: A systematic review and meta-analysis of urban air mobility acceptance and its determinants

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is emerging as a promising solution to urban congestion and emissions, yet its large-scale deployment depends on public acceptance. Existing evidence on UAM acceptance and its determinants remains fragmented and inconsistent. To address this gap, we systematically reviewed 30 empirical studies published between 2021 and 2025 and synthesized 253 effect sizes using a three-level meta-analytic model. Results indicate a modestly positive public attitude toward UAM (M = 0.62 on a –2 to +2 scale), reflecting initial social recognition despite UAM’s early stage. Determinants were grouped into individual, perceptual, and societal levels. At the individual level, personal innovativeness and environmental norm showed strong positive effects, highlighting the roles of innovation propensity and pro-environmental values among early adopters. Among perceptual factors, socioemotional variables including trust and enjoyment exerted stronger effects than instrumental factors such as perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Social influence, representing a societal factor, also emerged as a critical predictor. These findings suggest that UAM acceptance is more strongly associated emotional values and social recognition rather than with rational evaluations. This challenges traditional utility-based models of technology adoption. The study provides theoretical insights into technology adoption and practical implications for policymakers and industry to promote UAM acceptance.