Narita Airport Lets Foreign Staff Drive in Days, Not Months

Narita International Airport has slashed the waiting time for foreign ground crew to get a Japanese driver's license. The new fast-track system cuts the process from several months to just a few days. The change addresses a critical labor shortage. Airport ground operations, such as guiding planes and handling baggage, require special vehicle permits. Previously, foreign employees faced a lengthy process of written and practical tests in Japanese. Now, Narita Airport has partnered with local licensing authorities. Qualified staff from companies like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways can take a simplified course. It includes training and an exam at a dedicated facility within the airport perimeter. The rapid licensing is part of a broader push to stabilize aviation manpower. The sector has struggled to recover staff levels after the pandemic. By removing a major hurdle for skilled foreign workers, officials hope to ensure smoother airport operations.