09 Sep 2018 | 03:55 AM UTC
Japan: International flights partially resume at Kansai (KIX) Sept. 8 /update 8
International flights at Kansai International Airport (KIX) partially resume September 8; flight disruptions expected to continue in the near-term
Event
A limited number of international flights left Kasai International Airport (KIX) on Saturday, September 8, a day after domestic service also partially resumed. According to media reports, Peach Airlines and All Nippon Airways operated 14 flights in the region. Peach Airlines is planning to resume flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, Busan, Taipei, and Shanghai in the coming days. Long lines and crowded conditions were reported at KIX and further disruptions are anticipated in the near-term.
Terminal 1 and its associated runway remain heavily damaged from wind and flooding, only allowing flights to arrive and depart from Runway B. The bridge connecting the airport to the mainland remains damaged and closed to train and private traffic, though shuttle buses to Nankai Electric and West Japan line train stations are using undamaged lanes. Travelers are also able to use a ferry from Kobe Airport. As of Sunday, September 9, it is unclear when operations will fully return to normal at KIX.
Context
Kansai airport closed following the arrival of Typhoon Jebi on Tuesday, September 4, which resulted in flooding of the main runway, the basement of a terminal, and several service buildings. The storm also pushed an empty oil tanker into the causeway that connects the airport to the mainland, causing damage to the bridge and stranding at least 3000 passengers until Wednesday, September 5.
Typhoon Jebi made landfall east of Kobe in Hyogo prefecture on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuring more than 470 others. The typhoon was reportedly the strongest storm since 1993 and brought sustained winds of 160 km/h (100 mph) to the island, causing widespread damage, flooding, and power outages to 1.5 million people.
Advice
Individuals traveling via KIX in the near-term are advised to monitor developments to the situation, verify the status of their flights prior to departure to the airport, and allow for additional transit time to and from the airport. Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes.
