Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the overall framework in which the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) deployment is expected to be implemented. Another aim of the study is to give a better overview on the current regulations and standards including the impact of the regulations on the industry, operations and cities. Design/methodology/approach This paper performs a literature review on the regulatory framework, which provides a clear view of the current regulations and standards. The review includes the insight into the details of possible international rules for the future, considering operations in the specific and certified categories. The impact and trends of current and future regulations are also presented. Findings The analysis described in this paper shows a strong upward trend in UAM technical and operational developments as well as further potential for a successful incorporation in city mobility concepts. This paper indicates the importance of the representatives of guideline development organizations, industry, agencies and other important players involved in the standard development process. Practical implications This section describes synthesis on the required level of safety for UAM operations as well as description on the impact of the regulations from different perspectives, including industry and certification of urban aircraft, operations and air traffic management, cities and the governance of the urban airspace and well as technology. Originality/value Barriers such as legislation do not allow the common UAM to be deployed. This paper studies the overall framework in which the UAM deployment is expected to be implemented.