Fukuoka Airport is set to begin operating its second runway in spring 2025, following extensive renovations and expansions. While the new runway aims to alleviate congestion, it will primarily be limited to international departures due to the narrow spacing between runways, which imposes significant operational constraints.
The second runway, located to the west of the current one, is expected to be fully paved by the end of September, with a new 94.2-meter control tower slated for completion by the end of October. Once operational, the annual capacity for takeoffs and landings at Fukuoka Airport is projected to increase from 176,000 to 188,000. However, experts note that this expansion may not be sufficient to significantly ease congestion, as the hourly capacity will only increase from 38 to 40 takeoffs and landings.
The project, with a total cost of ¥164.3 billion, faces challenges due to the narrow 210-meter spacing between the runways, well below the standard 1,310 meters. As a result, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has decided to restrict the use of the new runway primarily to international departures. Domestic flights using the second runway would require crossing the current runway, further complicating operations. Source: NHK
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