Everything you need to know about air taxi operations in Tokyo — from certification requirements and licensed operators to approved flightpaths and airspace integration. Updated for 2026.
The eVTOL aircraft certified and operating worldwide — what passengers in Tokyo will fly.
Certified eVTOL aircraft
Island Commutes
Rooftop landings — Tokyo
Vertiport Lounges
Air taxis operating in Tokyo fall under a layered regulatory structure overseen by the national aviation authority of Japan. Here is what every prospective passenger and operator needs to know.
All eVTOL aircraft must obtain type certification from the relevant national aviation authority under the powered-lift or advanced air mobility category. Regulators globally follow standards aligned with EASA CS-23/CS-27 and FAA AC 21-37, verifying structural integrity, motor redundancy and airworthiness.
Operators in Japan must hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by the national aviation authority. This requires demonstrable safety management systems, approved maintenance programmes, pilot training standards and operational procedures specifically approved for powered-lift aircraft.
Pilots flying air taxis in Tokyo must hold a flight crew licence issued by the aviation authority of Japan, with a powered-lift or eVTOL category rating. Training and testing must be conducted at an approved organisation and include specific type rating training for the aircraft operated.
All commercial air taxi routes must be coordinated with the national air traffic service of Japan. Urban air mobility corridors are being defined through advanced air mobility frameworks, prioritising integration with existing traffic around major airports and city airspace.
Vertiports in Tokyo must comply with national vertiport design standards, covering approach and departure paths, pad dimensions, fire suppression, ground handling and passenger facilities. Local planning or zoning consent is also required from the relevant authority in Tokyo.
Passengers on licensed air taxi services are protected under applicable national aviation consumer law and the Montreal Convention for international journeys. Operators must carry minimum liability insurance as specified by the aviation authority of Japan.
Yes, subject to certification by the national aviation authority of Japan. Operators must obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and all aircraft must be type-certified under the applicable powered-lift or eVTOL category. Aviation regulators worldwide are establishing clear regulatory pathways for urban air mobility.
Urban Air Mobility is developing rapidly across Japan and globally. Leading operators including Joby Aviation, Archer, Lilium, Volocopter and Vertical Aerospace are pursuing certification and route launches in major markets worldwide. Book via Air Mobility Services to access all available operators serving Tokyo.
Air taxis in Tokyo are regulated by the national aviation authority of Japan. Key requirements typically include type certification of the aircraft, an Air Operator Certificate, pilot licensing under an approved flight crew licence regime, and compliance with noise and airspace restrictions set by the local air traffic authority.
Commercial air taxi routes are targeting launch from 2026 onwards across multiple global markets, with initial routes likely connecting major airports with city centres. Tokyo is among the priority markets as the global Urban Air Mobility ecosystem matures. Register via our route checker for launch alerts.
No. Passengers require no licence or certification. The pilot holds all required licences issued by the aviation authority of Japan. You simply book your seat, arrive at the vertiport, and board — much like a taxi, with a short pre-flight safety briefing.
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Register Interest — Tokyo