What does 'deconfliction' mean in urban air operations?

Deconfliction in urban air operations refers specifically to the process of managing airspace to prevent conflicts between different aircraft. This is essential in densely populated or busy airspace, where multiple aerial vehicles may be operating simultaneously. The concept involves using various techniques and technologies to maintain safe distances and altitudes between aircraft to avoid mid-air collisions and ensure smooth flight operations.

By focusing on deconfliction, air traffic management can enhance overall safety in urban environments, where the risks of accidents increase due to the proximity of numerous flights. This is especially important given the rise of urban air mobility, which involves diverse aerial vehicles, including drones and air taxis, sharing the same airspace.