Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka has completed a large-scale renovation of its Terminal 1, marking the biggest upgrade since its opening in 1994. A media preview was held on March 15, showcasing the improved facilities ahead of the full reopening on March 27.
With Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai approaching in April, the airport has enhanced its infrastructure to accommodate the anticipated surge in international visitors.
The renovations include an upgraded immigration control area featuring newly installed 'joint kiosks,' allowing passengers to complete both customs and immigration procedures simultaneously, thereby streamlining entry procedures and reducing wait times.
Additionally, a newly constructed international lounge—operated jointly by multiple airlines—will offer about 800 seats across a spacious 3,800-square-meter area, making it the largest airport lounge in Japan.
These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for visitors arriving in Japan for the World Expo.
As global travel demand rebounds, will other Japanese airports follow Kansai Airport's lead in modernizing their facilities to handle increasing international traffic?.