In Japan, Air Taxis Could Lift Off From Highway Rest Stops

Expressway vertiports could offer sightseeing tours, local connectivity, and emergency response capabilities.

Jack Daleo

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 01:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A visualization of SkyDrive’s SD-05 air taxi operating from an expressway rest stop vertiport. [Credit: SkyDrive]

Key Takeaways:

Japan's SkyDrive plans to operate eVTOL air taxis from expressway rest stops and parking areas, aiming to provide services such as sightseeing, commuter transport, and emergency response.
This initiative is part of a broader global trend by eVTOL manufacturers to establish diverse and unconventional vertiport infrastructure beyond traditional airports and heliports.
Companies are exploring creative vertiport locations like parking garages, malls, resorts, and even floating platforms, while also innovating designs to address operational challenges such as downwash.

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One of Japan’s leading manufacturers of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxis is exploring operations out of expressway rest stops and parking areas.

With their ability to take off vertically like a helicopter, eVTOL models do not require a runway, opening up operations beyond traditional airports and heliports. SkyDrive, the developer of a two-passenger air taxi, is working with the West Nippon Expressway Company (Nexco West) to extend air transport to the side of the highway or freeway.