Tokyo Narita Airport Sees Growth in Tourism Demand
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) is experiencing significant growth in network and passenger traffic, fueled by strong inbound tourism demand. From January to June 2024, Japan welcomed 17.7 million foreign tourists, marking the highest figure for any first half of the year. In July alone, NRT recorded 1.92 million foreign passengers, reaching 120% of pre-pandemic levels from 2019.
To accommodate this influx, NRT has introduced several new routes in 2024. Notable additions include Thai AirAsia’s service to Bangkok Don Mueang via Kaohsiung, Aero K to Seoul, Spring Airlines to Shijiazhuang, ZIPAIR to Vancouver, and Air Japan’s routes to Bangkok, Seoul, and Singapore. Upcoming routes are set to include United Airlines’ flights to Cebu, Air Tahiti Nui to Papeete, All Nippon Airways to Perth, Iberia to Madrid, and Japan Airlines to Shanghai.
The rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) at NRT has also been significant, with their capacity share increasing from 27% in 2019 to 42% in 2024, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. A spokesperson for NRT noted that the development of new long-range small aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321XLR, creates opportunities to establish routes to Asian cities previously inaccessible to narrowbody aircraft.
NRT is strategically positioned as the closest airport to North America, allowing it to enhance transit traffic between Asia and North America. To support increasing passenger and cargo demand, the airport is undertaking major infrastructure improvements, including plans to extend the existing runway and construct a third runway by the end of fiscal 2028. Operating hours will also be extended to accommodate the growing volume of travelers.
A key initiative for the airport’s future involves consolidating its three passenger terminals into a single mega-terminal, which will enhance user experience and connectivity for both international and domestic flights. The new terminal is expected to cover approximately 1.1 million square meters and handle up to 66 million passengers annually.
Additionally, NRT plans to expand and consolidate cargo facilities to meet direct shipping and cross-border demands, reinforcing its status as a leading cargo hub in East Asia. With these ambitious projects, Tokyo Narita International Airport is poised to capitalize on rising tourism and enhance its global connectivity.
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