Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture has unveiled a proposal for its airport to become the third flight hub in the central Kanto region, alongside Haneda and Narita airports.
Located in Omitama, just 100 minutes by bus or train from central Tokyo, Ibaraki Airport aims to attract international visitors looking for an entry and exit point to Japan within the Kanto region. While 19.1 million passengers chose Haneda Airport for international flights in fiscal 2023, Ibaraki’s local government is eager to increase its share of passengers, which totalled 750,000 during the same period.
Under the plan, Ibaraki Airport would offer flights to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as Europe and the US, expanding its current shorthaul international services to destinations such as Shanghai and Taipei, in addition to domestic flights to Sapporo, Kobe, Fukuoka, and Naha.
The increase in international flights would require the expansion and upgrading of airport facilities, according to local government officials. Development would include new taxiways to increase the number of flights served to more than eight per hour, improved fuelling facilities for greater efficiency, and a larger aircraft parking apron as the current one can only accommodate three planes.
The terminal building would also see improvements, such as an expanded security checkpoint, waiting room and baggage claim area, to accommodate the expected increase in passengers.
Ibaraki Airport, which celebrates 15 years of operations in 2025, has long sought to attract more international passengers, even considering a name change to Tokyo Ibaraki International Airport, a proposal that was abandoned due to local opposition.
