Hakodate Airport

Hakodate Airport is a regional airport serving the city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, Japan. Classified as a second-class airport under the Civil Aeronautics Act (Japan), it is managed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The airport primarily handles domestic flights to major hubs like Haneda Airport and Chūbu Centrair International Airport, alongside seasonal international services, serving as a key gateway to the Hakodate region.

History

The airport's origins trace back to 1936 when the Imperial Japanese Navy established a seaplane base on the site. Following World War II, it was utilized by the United States Armed Forces during the Occupation of Japan. Civilian operations commenced in 1961 with the opening of a new terminal, initially serving routes to Haneda via Sendai Airport. Significant expansion occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, including runway extension projects to accommodate larger jet aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 767. The current passenger terminal was completed in 1994, and in 2005, the airport was designated for international charter flights, with scheduled services to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Incheon International Airport beginning later.

Facilities

Hakodate Airport features a single three-story passenger terminal building with arrivals on the first floor and departures on the second. The apron can accommodate several narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Air traffic control is provided by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau. The airport is equipped with a ILS on its primary runway and maintains facilities for aircraft de-icing during the winter months. The third floor houses an observation deck and a restaurant offering views of the Tsugaru Strait and Mount Hakodate.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is a focus city for Japan Air Commuter and Fuji Dream Airlines. Primary domestic services are operated by All Nippon Airways and its regional subsidiary ANA Wings to Tokyo-Haneda, with additional flights to Nagoya-Centrair and Osaka-Itami. Japan Airlines and Hokkaido Air System also provide services to Tokyo and Sapporo. Seasonal and charter international flights have historically included routes to Taipei-Taoyuan, Seoul-Incheon, and Hong Kong International Airport.

Access

The airport is located approximately 7.5 kilometers east of Hakodate Station. Ground transportation is provided by the Hakodate Bus company, which operates a direct route to the station and the city center, connecting with services of the Hokkaido Railway Company. Taxis and rental car services from companies like Toyota Rent a Car and Nippon Rent-A-Car are available. The journey to central Hakodate typically takes 20 to 30 minutes by road, using routes like Japan National Route 278.

Accidents and incidents

On April 13, 1963, a Douglas DC-3 operated by Japan Domestic Airlines crashed into the waters of the Tsugaru Strait while on approach, resulting in fatalities. A significant incident occurred on June 10, 1993, when a McDonnell Douglas MD-81 operated by All Nippon Airways, operating as Flight 451, overran the runway during landing in heavy rain; there were no fatalities, but the aircraft was substantially damaged. These events contributed to ongoing reviews of safety procedures and incident response protocols at regional airports across Japan.

Category:Airports in Japan Category:Transport in Hokkaido Category:Buildings and structures in Hakodate, Hokkaido