Fukuoka International Airport will unveil its newly expanded international terminal on March 28, 2025, featuring a suite of upgrades designed to enhance capacity, convenience, and the overall passenger experience. The new terminal doubles the airport’s capacity, expanding from 73,000m2 to 136,000m2, with new technology and services to make travel smoother and more enjoyable. The renovation is part of Fukuoka’s mission to become a key gateway for Japan, offering enhanced facilities and faster service in line with the growing number of travelers from East and Southeast Asia.
Key Features of the New Terminal: Security Enhancements: The upgraded security area will feature seven “smart lanes,” boosting screening efficiency by up to 200%. These lanes allow passengers to place items on trays that automatically move through X-ray scanners, eliminating the need to manually transport belongings. Passengers can also keep laptops and other devices in their bags during screening, thanks to new CT scanning technology. Additionally, Kyushu’s first “priority lane” will offer expedited security checks for first-class, business-class, and assistance-needing passengers.
Expanded Duty-Free and Retail: The post-security duty-free area will quadruple in size to approximately 6,000m2, offering a wider selection of luxury fashion, cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco products. New walk-through duty-free stores, designed to integrate with passenger flow, will enable travelers to shop while moving toward their gates. A central “yagura” tower landmark will serve as a photo spot, providing a distinct Japanese cultural touch to the shopping area.
Arrival Duty-Free Shopping: A new arrival duty-free shop, measuring 125m2, will be located near baggage claim, offering convenience to travelers wishing to purchase tax-free items after entering Japan. This store will feature a variety of international products, including alcohol and tobacco, allowing travelers to shop after arrival without the hassle of carrying purchases in transit.
Food Court: To give passengers a taste of Kyushu, an 8-restaurant food court will open in the duty-free area, covering 1,120m2 with 295 seats. Travelers can enjoy regional specialties from Fukuoka and across Kyushu, creating an inviting space for last-minute meals before departure. This addition triples the dining options in the post-security area.
Enhanced Passenger Services: The terminal will also introduce more automated services to streamline the passenger experience. Automatic check-in kiosks will increase from 26 to 38, and new self-service baggage drop counters will go from 0 to 14. This upgrade aligns with Fukuoka’s emphasis on providing a “Free, Fast, Fun” airport experience for all passengers.
Access and Transportation Improvements: A new 4,000m2 access hall, opening in December 2024, will simplify connections to other transport options, including dedicated pathways for shuttle buses between domestic and international terminals, cutting travel time from 15 minutes to just five.
The addition of a multi-story parking garage expands capacity from 897 to 1,300 vehicles, further accommodating increased passenger volume.
Fukuoka Airport aims to solidify its status as a top-tier hub for East Asia, connecting travelers with ease and providing a modern, efficient, and distinctly Japanese experience for international visitors. Source: Fukuoka Airport
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