Narita Expansion Boosts Tokyo’s Air Traffic

Tokyo Narita Airport is preparing for a major transformation that promises to enhance Japan’s growing passenger and cargo traffic. According to NRT President and CEO Akihiko Tamura, ambitious plans to boost international connectivity rely on adding a new runway and consolidating the airport’s three existing passenger terminals into one streamlined facility. While Tokyo Haneda Airport faces capacity constraints with its current 490,000 annual departure and arrival slots, Narita has the potential to expand significantly, positioning it as a key hub for future growth. Tamura explained that the Japanese government is advancing a project to construct a new 3,500-meter runway at Narita, which would serve as the airport’s third runway. In addition, the airport’s second runway will be extended from 2,500 meters to 3,500 meters. These improvements are expected to increase Narita’s annual arrival and departure slot capacity from the current 300,000 to 500,000, addressing the rising demand for air travel in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The planned expansion does not stop at runways. Tamura stressed that upgrading passenger and cargo facilities is essential for meeting future demand. The project includes consolidating the three existing passenger terminals into a single modern terminal and constructing a new cargo terminal near the expressway. The new cargo facility is designed to be highly efficient, featuring maximum automation to enhance productivity for shippers. In a move to improve overall connectivity, rail improvements are also part of the plan, aiming to reduce travel time between Narita Airport and central Tokyo to approximately 30 minutes. Additionally, the development of an airport city in the surrounding areas is planned to attract aviation-related industries and boost regional economic growth.

The proposed improvements at Narita come at a time when Japan is witnessing a significant surge in international travel. The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recently noted that the number of international visitors to Japan reached a record 36.9 million in 2024, marking a 47% increase from 2023 and a 16% rise over 2019. With the goal of attracting 60 million international visitors by 2030, Japan aims to more than double the current figures. In parallel, growing cargo traffic is a major focus for Narita, which currently handles 17% of the value of all cargo entering Japan, compared to 11% by Tokyo’s sea port.

Strength in the Japan-U.S. air transport market further underscores the need for Narita’s expansion. Despite not yet fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels, the market saw 9.2 million passengers travel between the U.S. and Japan in 2024, a 25% year-over-year increase, although still 13% below 2019 levels. U.S. officials have recognized Japan’s efforts to bolster Narita as a crucial hub, ensuring strong connectivity not only between Tokyo and the U.S. but also across Southeast Asia and other regions. Japan Airlines senior vice president Yuji Koyama emphasized the importance of attracting international passengers, particularly from North America, as Japan works to counterbalance its declining domestic population. With these comprehensive upgrades, Narita is poised to become an even more vital gateway for global travel and trade, driving the future growth of Japan’s aviation and logistics sectors.

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Narita Expansion Boosts Tokyo’s Air Traffic

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