The counter point here is that small electrical and autonomous planes don't need large airports or long runways. They are very efficient in terms of space. All

The counter point here is that small electrical and autonomous planes don't need large airports or long runways. They are very efficient in terms of space. All of the long suffering smaller airports that can't even handle jets would potentially be of use for this. And given the lower noise and pollution levels, building more airports would not be as controversial as building new airports for jets currently is. Possibly even within city limits. And that is of course before you consider VTOL.