Owais Crawford
Okinawa is a beautiful archipelago in Japan with several islands and a rich history. Naha Airport, also known as Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA), is the main airport in Okinawa, Japan. It is ranked 91st in Skytrax's World Top Airports 100 in 2024. The airport has undergone significant development and expansion projects over the years, including the construction of a second runway and the expansion of the domestic and international terminals. Naha Airport is easily accessible via the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail), which connects the airport to the centre of Naha and provides convenient transportation for travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport in Okinawa | Naha Airport |
| Location | Naha |
| Airlines operating at the airport | Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Japan Transocean Air, All Nippon Airways |
| Facilities | Sanitary vending machines, strollers and car chairs (available at a surcharge) |
| Transport to/from the airport | Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) |
| Development projects | Expansion of the domestic terminal, construction of a second runway, expansion of the international terminal, construction of a new building connecting the domestic and international terminals |
| Ranking | 91st in Skytrax's World Top Airports 100 in 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Naha Airport: Okinawa's main airport
Okinawa is served by Naha Airport, also known as Okinawa Naha Airport. The airport is ranked 91st in Skytrax's World Top Airports 100 in 2024, a significant improvement from its ranking of 199th the previous year, making it the most improved airport in the world.
Naha Airport has undergone significant development in recent years. In 2014, a new international terminal opened, which was expanded in 2016. A second 2,700-metre runway was constructed on an artificial island, beginning operations in 2020. A new building connecting the domestic and international terminals was also completed in 2019. The airport is easily accessible via the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail), which carries passengers from Naha Airport Station to the centre of Naha and Tedako-Uranishi Station in Urasoe.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1933 when it was known as the Oroku Aerodrome, an Imperial Japanese Navy airfield. In 1945, the base was taken over by the United States and renamed Naha Airport. Pan American World Airways and Northwest Orient began serving the airport in 1947. The airport was transferred from US military control to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in 1982, and Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972.
Today, Naha Airport is served by various airlines, including Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Japan Transocean Air, and All Nippon Airways. The airport offers flights to various destinations within Japan, such as Narita, Fukuoka, and Haneda, as well as other Asian countries. Naha Airport provides a convenient gateway to the many beautiful islands of Okinawa, making it a popular choice for travellers exploring this picturesque region of Japan.
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The airport's history
Okinawa, Japan, is served by 13 airports, including airports on remote islands. The most well-known airport in Okinawa is Naha Airport, which is ranked 91st in the world according to Skytrax's World Top Airports 100 in 2024.
The Airports' History
Naha Airport was originally called Oroku Aerodrome and served as an Imperial Japanese Navy airfield when it opened in 1933. The base was taken over by the United States in 1945 and renamed Naha Airport. Pan American World Airways and Northwest Orient began service to Naha in 1947. The airport was closed for refurbishment between 1952 and 1954. During this time, Japan Airlines began service to Okinawa, initially using Kadena Air Base. From 1964 to 1967, Air America operated interisland flights to Miyako and Ishigaki, which were then taken over by Southwest Airlines (now Japan Transocean Air). In 1972, Okinawa was returned to Japan, and in 1982, Naha Airport was transferred from US military control to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Naha Airport has undergone significant development in recent years. In 2008, the government approved plans to expand the domestic terminal, requiring the relocation of cargo facilities and the international terminal. Construction of a second 2,700-meter runway began in 2014 on an artificial island, and the new international terminal opened the same year. The international terminal was expanded again in 2016, and a new building connecting the domestic and international terminals was completed in 2019. The second runway began operation in 2020, along with a Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) that has been in operation since 2012. A six-lane under-bay tunnel linking the airport to Naha Port was completed in 2011, improving the airport's intermodal facilities.
Other notable airports in Okinawa include Ishigaki Airport, Miyako Airport, and the airports on the remote islands of Kumejima, Kitadaito, Minamidaito, Tarama, and Yonaguni.
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Development projects
Naha Airport (那覇空港) is an international airport located 4 km (2.5 mi) west of the city hall in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is the sixth busiest airport in Japan and the primary air terminal for passengers and cargo travelling to and from Okinawa Prefecture. The airport has undergone significant development over the years, with major projects continuing to transform the airport.
In 2008, the Japanese government agreed to a large expansion of the domestic terminal, which required the relocation of cargo facilities and the international terminal. A new international terminal was opened in February 2014, which was expanded by 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft) in November 2016. A second runway, built on 160 hectares (400 acres) of an artificial island, began operations on March 26, 2020. A new building connecting the domestic and international terminals was also completed in 2019. A six-lane under-bay tunnel, linking the airport with Naha Port, was completed in 2011. The tunnel also connects a 2.6-hectare (6.4-acre) Free Trade Zone near the airport with another 122-hectare (300-acre) FTZ at Nakagusuku Bay.
In addition to the expansion of Naha Airport, there have been other development projects related to aviation in Okinawa. For example, the Miyako Airport Passenger Terminal Building was designed with a strong local flavour, featuring Okinawa's distinctive red tiles on the roof. This terminal building was inspired by the image of a gray-faced buzzard spreading its wings as it descends onto Miyako Island every autumn from the north.
Another significant development project in Okinawa is the construction of a Marine Corps runway at Camp Schwab, located on Okinawa's rural northern coast. This project has faced opposition and legal challenges, with critics arguing that the seabed in Oura Bay is too soft to support a runway and that the construction threatens the endangered dugong, a protected species under Japanese law. The runway is estimated to cost around $6.9 billion, to be paid for by the Japanese government. Despite the controversies, the Japanese defence minister stated in 2023 that construction work is steadily moving forward, with an estimated completion date of 2032.
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Transport to/from the airport
Okinawa's main airport is Naha Airport, which is located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. The airport has undergone significant development in recent years, including the construction of a second runway and the expansion of its domestic and international terminals.
There are several transport options for getting to and from Naha Airport. Here are some of the most popular choices:
By Bus:
Okinawa's main island has a convenient and affordable bus network that connects the airport to popular destinations across the island. Local buses, airport services, and tour buses are available. Some remote islands also have bus services, but these may vary. The main hub of the bus network is the Naha Bus Terminal, but some lines can also be boarded at the airport. Cash is the only accepted form of payment for fares, so it is important to have change ready before boarding. A free pass that allows unlimited bus travel can also be purchased.
By Monorail:
The Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) connects Naha Airport Station to the center of Naha and other destinations on the island. The monorail is a convenient way to get around, especially in central Naha, where traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
By Car:
Rental car outlets are available at Naha Airport and in major cities across Okinawa. Driving is recommended for venturing out of the city and exploring the island at your own pace. The Okinawa Expressway connects Naha to the northern city of Nago, with tolls of about 1000 yen one way. However, it is important to note that traffic can be heavy in Naha and central Okinawa during rush hours on weekdays.
By Ferry:
High-speed ferries operate between Naha and Toguchi Port on the Motobu Peninsula, with some ferries stopping at Nago along the way. The one-way ride takes 75 minutes and costs 1000 yen. These ferries depart from the Tomari Port area of Naha.
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Flights to Okinawa from Asia
Okinawa is served by Naha Airport, which is located on the main island. This airport is ranked 91st in Skytrax's World Top Airports 100 in 2024, a significant improvement from its ranking of 199th the previous year, making it the most improved airport in the world.
There are direct international flights to Okinawa from many countries in Asia. For example, you can fly to Naha Airport from Incheon International Airport in South Korea with Eastar Jet, or from Hong Kong International Airport with HK Express. Thai AirAsia operates direct flights from Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand, and Jetstar Asia operates direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport.
Flights from other Asian countries connect to Okinawa via these and other hubs. For example, you can fly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines to Naha Airport with a connection.
Naha Airport has been undergoing major development projects, including the construction of a second 2,700-metre runway on an artificial island, which began in 2014. The airport is served by the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail), which carries passengers from the airport to the centre of Naha and to Tedako-Uranishi Station in Urasoe.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Okinawa is called Naha Airport (那覇飛行場 in Japanese).
You can take the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) from Naha Airport Station to the centre of Naha.
Some of the top airlines operating at Naha Airport are Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Japan Transocean Air, and All Nippon Airways.
Some of the destinations that you can fly to directly from Naha Airport include Narita, Painushima, Fukuoka, and Haneda.
Naha Airport has been undergoing major development projects, including the construction of a second 2,700-metre parallel runway on an artificial island, the expansion of the international terminal, and the construction of a new building connecting the domestic and international terminals.
