Tokyo’s Narita Airport has begun construction of a third runway, as part of its broader ambition to expand its operations through more flights and larger terminal buildings. The airport is aiming for a 2029 completion.
The airport hopes to accommodate about 500,000 annual takeoffs and landings after this addition, a substantial increase compared to the current number of 300,000.
The new runway will span 3,500 meters, or about 11,500 feet. The existing runway 34R/16L will eventually be lengthened from 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) to 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) as well to accommodate all of the widebody aircraft the airport services, including the Airbus A380.
The other existing runway, 34L/16R, will stay as is.
This is all part of a bigger project that will expand the airport’s capacity and operations. Narita Airport will eventually construct a new terminal building, in addition to moving its cargo terminal and train stations.
The above photo is a diagram of the new airport layout, with the current satellite image on the bottom left.
Japan has seen a record number of foreign visitors recently, and the nation is on pace to hit 43 million visitors this year. Its government has an ambitious goal of 60 million visitors by the end of the decade, and runway expansions like this should assist its efforts.
“Global demand for air travel will double in the next 20 years. The Asia-Pacific region is growing fastest among all regions,” Narita International Airport President Akihiko Tamura said. “It is urgent that we strengthen our capabilities to boost Japan’s and Tokyo’s international competitiveness, attract more foreign tourists, and promote development around the airport,”
I do think an increase in capacity for Narita Airport is a good idea for them. Over the past decade or two, Haneda has seen expansions in its international operations, and a lot of Narita’s international flights, especially JAL’s and ANA’s, have moved over there. With less of a network, especially by its Japanese airlines, the current operations of Narita feel a bit sad. This airport expansion should help them regain a broader network of flights that they once had before the pandemic.
I know many visitors to Japan don’t like Narita, as it’s far away from the center of the city compared to Haneda. That said, Narita is still a valid option for the many Japanese people living in the Tokyo suburbs (I’m from Western Tokyo, and it takes the same 1.5 hours to both Haneda and Narita). The airport will no doubt remain a key hub in the long future.
Featured image by the author.
