Japan: Kansai Aiport (KIX) fully reopened September 21 /update 11

Event

Kansai International Airport (KIX), serving Osaka and the neighboring region, fully reopened its main terminal on Friday, September 21. The northern wing of the terminal had been closed since the passing of Typhoon Jebi on September 4. Kansai Airports, the operating company, expects 395 domestic and international flights out of Terminal 1 on Friday for a total of 471 flights between both terminals. Rail service to KIX using the bridge, which had been damaged in the typhoon, also resumed on Tuesday, September 18. Vehicle lanes on the bridge are partially closed and only accessible to shuttle buses. It is expected to reopen to all ground traffic around May 2019.

Context

KIX was closed from damage sustained from Typhoon Jebi on September 4. Storm surge and rain resulted in the flooding of the main runway, the basement of Terminal 1, and several service buildings. The storm also pushed an empty oil tanker into the access causeway that connects the airport to the mainland, causing damage to the bridge and stranding thousands of passengers.

Typhoon Jebi made landfall east of Kobe, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and injuring more than 740 others across 29 prefectures. Nearly 5000 homes were damaged from the storm, which was the largest typhoon the country has seen since 1993.

Advice

Individuals traveling via KIX in the near time are advised to confirm the status of their flight and allow for additional transit time to and from the airport.