After suffering extensive damage during Typhoon Jebi three weeks ago, Japan’s Kansai Airport has reopened all areas in the main international terminal that were flooded during the storm.

On Friday (September 21), the airport reported it welcomed 469 international and domestic flights – near the amount of flights it usually received before the storm.

Terminal 1 initially welcomed limited flights at its south wing on September 14 after the terminal was shut down after sustaining flooding in the basement and a lack of power.

In an effort to ease apprehensions of travelers looking to travel to the Osaka area, the Kansai Tourism Board released a video showing images of the damage sustained. The video also had a declaration that while the airport there are ongoing repair work being done, the airport is safe and fully operational for the travelling public.

As for access to the airport, West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) and Nankai Electric Railway Co. have resumed operations. While rail access will be available, there is still a ban on rental cars and private vehicles which could last until May next year.

The bridge connecting Kansai Airport to Osaka and the mainland was damaged when it was struck by a tanker during the storm.



For officials and stakeholders, the damage was unprecedented for the Kansai Airport, which happens to be built on a man-made island in the middle of Osaka Bay.

When speaking to reporters, Yoshiyuki Yamaya, president of Kansai Airports, said to reporters: “I’m relieved that the airport could resume operations safely.” For travelers with plans which may include travel through Kansai, we all definitely share his relief as well.







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