Tokyo Narita International Airport

Should Airport Regulators De-clog Tokyo Narita International Airport?

Tokyo Narita International Airport (or just Narita International Airport) is Japan's second-busiest passenger airport, since it is responsible for most of the country's international traffic (both headed for Japan and coming from Japan.) It was formerly known as New Tokyo International Airport. As an air freight hub, it is the busiest in the country and third- busiest among the world's air freight centers. This international airport is categorized as a first-class airport, based on Japanese law. It should be differentiated from Tokyo International Airport, or Haneda Airport, which ironically does not manage much international passenger traffic for Japan. Tokyo Narita International Airport presently owns the longest runway in Japan, since its main runway spans 4,000 meters.

Problems besetting Narita International Airport

One major problem is that Tokyo Narita International Airport has already reached record traffic volume, which is why expansion is being managed right now. Another problem is that it is expensive for carriers to use Tokyo Narita International Airport since airport regulators have restricted the number of flights every carrier can initiate from the airport. In turn, passengers have to absorb the cost of operations of the airlines.

One setback is that the airport is quite far from central Tokyo proper. If you use the fastest train, it will take you an hour to get to Tokyo Narita International Airport. If you use road-based vehicles, it may take you longer because traffic jams can bar your way.

To address these access problems, the Narita Rapid Railway is under

construction and expected to open by 2010. This rail system should eliminate at least 20 minutes off travel time to the airport. Another possible solution being examined by regulators is to divert air traffic from Tokyo Narita International Airport to other Japanese airports. Transportation and lodging services for the airport If you are disembarking at Tokyo Narita International Airport, you have some options for your transportation needs. If you want to rely on bus service, you can patronize the Airport Limousine service which serves other airports as well, aside from delivering you to surrounding hotels. You can also opt for the Keisei Bus, and Chiba Kotsu companies.

If you prefer, you could opt to flag down a cab instead at the airport. But taxis operate on a zone system which is quite expensive if you are travelling alone. Cabs are no longer allowed to conduct shared ride services from the airport.

If you are looking for appropriate lodging after disembarking at the airport, you might contact one of the member hotels of the Japan Tourist Hotel Association to book a room. There are over 70 of these member hotels in the Tokyo area alone. Or perhaps you prefer the hotels in the Japan City Hotel Association instead? For a clean and orderly youth hostel, look no further than the Sakura Hotel which is run by the Sakura Hotel and Sakura Guest House.

Tokyo Narita International Airport has the honor of having the name of the country's capital in its name. Hopefully, air travel regulators will be able to sustain the progress of the airport without a decline in its services.

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