Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. Generally, the described techniques provide for maximizing the potential of resources dedicated to aerial user equipment (UEs). In one example, a UE may receive signaling indicating that a cell supports communications exclusively with aerial UEs. The signaling may be used to bar non-aerial UEs from accessing the cell and reserve resources for communications with aerial UEs. In another example, a UE may receive signaling identifying one or more frequency bands dedicated to aerial UEs. The UE may then communicate on the one or more frequency bands. In yet another example, a UE may receive signaling indicating a set of aerial access categories supported by a cell. The signaling may be used to reserve resources for high-priority aerial UEs (e.g., aerial UEs used for law enforcement purposes).