Narita International Airport

Narita International Airport
source
Name	Narita International Airport
IATA	NRT
ICAO	RJAA
Owner	Narita International Airport Corporation
City-served	Greater Tokyo Area
Location	Narita, Chiba
Opened	20 May 1978
Hub	* All Nippon Airways * Japan Airlines * Nippon Cargo Airlines * Peach * Spring Airlines Japan
Metric-elev	41
Elev-f	135
Coordinates	35, 45, 55, N...
Website	https://www.naa.jp/

Narita International Airport is the primary international aviation gateway for the Greater Tokyo Area of Japan. Located in the city of Narita, Chiba, approximately 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, it serves as a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic in East Asia. Operated by the Narita International Airport Corporation, it is a critical base for All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and numerous international carriers, handling the majority of Japan's international air travel.

History

The airport's development was initiated in the 1960s to relieve congestion at the older Tokyo International Airport in Haneda. Its construction was marked by significant and prolonged protests, known as the Sanrizuka Struggle, involving local farmers and activist groups like the Chiba Prefecture-based Sanrizuka-Shibayama United Opposition League against the Airport. Despite this opposition, it officially opened on 20 May 1978 with a single runway. Expansion has been gradual, with a second runway opening in 2002 and a third terminal for low-cost carriers inaugurated in 2015. The operating entity transitioned from the New Tokyo International Airport Authority to the current Narita International Airport Corporation in 2004.

Facilities

The airport features three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the largest, designed by architect Yoshinobu Ashihara and serving as the main hub for Star Alliance members including All Nippon Airways. Terminal 2 hosts SkyTeam and Oneworld airlines such as Japan Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Terminal 3, dedicated to low-cost carriers like Jetstar Japan and Spring Airlines Japan, features a distinctive runway-style design. Cargo facilities are extensive, with complexes operated by companies like Nippon Cargo Airlines and FedEx Express. The site also includes the Narita Airport Museum and several Japan Airport Terminal-managed hotels, including the Hotel Nikko Narita.

Airlines and destinations

As a global hub, it connects to over 130 cities worldwide. Major Japanese carriers All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines operate extensive international networks to destinations such as New York, London, and Singapore. It is a key Asian cargo hub for operators like Nippon Cargo Airlines, UPS Airlines, and Cargolux. Foreign carriers with a significant presence include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, and Korean Air. The airport is a focus city for Peach and a base for Spring Airlines Japan, facilitating routes across Asia.

Ground transportation

Multiple rail services connect to central Tokyo. The Narita Express operated by East Japan Railway Company provides direct service to major stations like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station. The Keisei Electric Railway offers the limited-stop Skyliner to Nippori Station and Ueno Station. Highway access is provided via the Higashi-Kantō Expressway and the Ken-Ō Expressway. Long-distance highway buses serve destinations across the Kantō region, including direct services to Haneda Airport and Yokohama. Local Chiba Kōtsū buses serve the surrounding Chiba Prefecture area.

Statistics

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was one of the world's busiest airports, consistently ranking second in Japan for total passenger traffic after Haneda Airport. In fiscal year 2019, it handled approximately 44 million passengers and over 2.3 million metric tons of air cargo, making it a top freight hub in Asia. It serves as the busiest international gateway in Japan, with key international routes including services to Incheon International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record since its opening. A significant incident occurred on 23 March 2009, when FedEx Express Flight 80, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operated for FedEx Express, crashed and burned on landing, resulting in the fatalities of both crew members. This accident was investigated by the Japan Transport Safety Board. Other incidents have primarily involved runway excursions or minor ground handling events, with no major commercial passenger aircraft accidents resulting in passenger fatalities on record.

Category:Airports in Japan Category:Buildings and structures in Chiba Prefecture Category:1978 establishments in Japan