06 Jan 2024 | 11:25 PM UTC
Japan: Authorities announce plans to reopen closed runway at Tokyo's Haneda International Airport on Jan. 8 /update 1
Runway closed after Jan. 2 collision at Japan's Tokyo Haneda International Airport to reopen Jan. 8. Residual flight disruptions likely.
Japanese authorities have announced plans to reopen runway 34R at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) on Jan. 8. The runway was closed in the wake of a fatal aircraft collision between Japan Airlines (JL) flight 516 and a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft that occurred early Jan. 2; airport officials had determined that runway 34R required repair work as a result of the accident. The closure has disrupted domestic flights at the facility, particularly on Japan Airlines (JL) and ANA All Nippon Airways (NH); however, there has been no impact on international flight operations.
Delays and cancellations will likely continue to impact domestic flights serving HND for several hours after the runway reopens as carriers move to clear their passenger backlogs and reposition aircraft.
Contact airlines to reconfirm flight schedules if flying via HND, particularly on domestic flights, through at least late Jan. 8. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Allow additional travel time to mitigate any possible delays. Consider making alternative arrangements for time-sensitive travel if necessary.
