To cope with the sharp increase in the number of foreign tourists, Japan’s Tokyo Narita International Airport started construction of a third runway on May 25th.
According to Agence France-Presse, by the end of 2029, the annual limit of aircraft takeoffs and landings at Narita Airport will be increased from the current 300,000 to 500,000.
This expansion plan also includes extending the second runway, nearly doubling the airport’s capacity.
Akihiko Tamura, President of Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA), stated that this project will help enhance Japan’s international competitiveness.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Tamura said, “It is urgent to further strengthen the airport’s functions in order to enhance Japan’s and Tokyo’s international competitiveness, increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan, and promote the development of the airport’s surrounding areas.”
The number of travelers to Japan has been setting new records almost every month, injecting vitality into the local economy but also leading to traffic congestion in popular tourist destinations like Kyoto.
The Japanese authorities have set ambitious goals: by the end of 2030, the annual number of visitors is expected to nearly double, reaching 60 million.
From January to April this year, Japan received a total of 14.4 million foreign visitors, an increase of 24.5% compared to the same period last year.
(Source: Central News Agency)