Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport Remains Fourth Top Airport in the World in 2006

Haneda Airport was considered the fourth-busiest airport in the world as of 2004, a ranking it was able to keep even in 2006. It may be also known by its other name of Tokyo International Airport. There is another airport which used to be called New Tokyo International Airport, but since the two names were so similar, the New Tokyo International Airport was renamed the Narita International Airport instead as of 2004. Between these two international airports, Haneda still has the prestige of being the top airport in Japan (with 65.3 million passengers passing through its gates as of 2006.)

Two International Airports, One Tokyo

Why does Tokyo have two international airports to serve its domestic and international air travel passengers? Narita International Airport was built in the past because of the growth of air travel traffic at Haneda Airport, and most international flights were diverted to Narita instead. City planners believed that Haneda Airport could not feasibly expand due to cost and land use concerns over a Tokyo Bay landfill. Eventually though, Tokyo leaders were able to find a way for Haneda Airport to expand, and it became Tokyo International Airport to signify that it could handle international flights as well.

Current Expansion Plans

Haneda Airport (or Tokyo International Aiport, if you prefer) currently uses three runways but a fourth one is under construction, scheduled for completion by 2010. If the runway is finished on time, it will permit Haneda Airport to accommodate international flights travelling a distance of 1,847 kilometers. These flights will serve destinations such as areas in the Russian Far East, eastern and northern China, and Korea. The new runway will increase Haneda Airport capacity to 407,000 movements annually.

In addition, Haneda Airport is busy constructing a third terminal to handle international flights which should be finished by December 2009. The terminal building is designed to be five stories high, with a 2,300-vehicle parking facility attached to it. The new terminal will be featured as a stop both on the Tokyo Monorail system and the Keikyu Airport Line. An international air cargo facility is also expected to rise on a nearby location.

Transportation to Tokyo Hotels

If you like, you can get a ride on the limousine bus service operated by the Airport Limousine service. This is not a stretch limousine service; rather, it offers you a seat on the limousine bus service which will drop you off right at the front of major Tokyo hotels. Baggage is accommodated at no charge. This limousine bus service serves both Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport travelers. Why take this service? The Airport Limousine service prides itself on offering a smoother ride to your Tokyo hotel, compared to lugging your baggage up and down the steps of a train station. It also makes it easier for you to find your Tokyo hotel, compared to reading maps at train stops which may be difficult if you can't read Nihonggo (Japanese.)

Haneda Airport is definitely not resting on its laurels. So if you plan to go to Tokyo anytime soon, head for the Haneda Airport - one progressive Japanese airport.

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