Kobe Airport Takes Flight With International Charter Services
New terminal opens as Kobe connects with major Asian cities
On April 18, 2025, Kobe Airport marked a significant milestone by launching its international charter flight services for the first time since its opening in 2006. This development comes as part of efforts to accommodate the growing influx of foreign tourists visiting Japan.
The inaugural flight, operated by Starlux Airlines from Taipei, Taiwan, touched down at approximately 9:30 AM, followed closely by a Korean Air flight from Seoul, South Korea, which arrived around 10:00 AM. The airport, previously limited to domestic routes, now offers 40 weekly flights connecting Kobe with five major Asian cities, including Seoul, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, and Taichung.
The new international terminal, built specifically for this purpose, was officially opened with a celebratory ceremony that began at 8:00 AM. Attendees included Hyogo Governor Saito, Kobe Mayor Kizo Hisamoto, and various airport officials. The event featured a tape-cutting ceremony to commemorate the terminal's opening and a celebratory event marking the arrival of the new flights.
During the ceremony, Mayor Hisamoto expressed optimism about the airport's potential, stating, "The internationalization of Kobe Airport will allow Kobe City to gain new possibilities as an international city and contribute to the development of the entire Kansai region." His sentiments were echoed by Yoshizo Yamatani, President of Kansai Airports, who remarked, "The growth of the airport will lead to the growth of tourism business in Kansai," highlighting the broader economic implications of the new services.
As part of the celebration, passengers arriving from Taipei were welcomed with commemorative sweets, a gesture that highlighted the airport's commitment to providing a positive experience for international visitors. One Taiwanese traveler shared his excitement, saying, "I'm going to USJ, the Expo, and Nara Park from tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it." This reflects the anticipation surrounding Kobe as a destination for international tourists, particularly with the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo scheduled from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
The introduction of international charter flights has been a long-awaited development for Kobe Airport, which has faced restrictions since its inception. Concerns about competition with Kansai International Airport had previously limited its operations to domestic routes. However, in response to the rising demand for inbound tourism, regulations were relaxed, paving the way for this new chapter.
The five cities now connected to Kobe include:
- Seoul, South Korea (Korean Air)
- Shanghai, China (Shanghai Junyao Airlines)
- Nanjing, China (Shanghai Junyao Airlines)
- Taipei, Taiwan (EVA Air, Starlux Airlines)
- Taichung, Taiwan (Starlux Airlines)
Flights to Taipei will operate five times a week, while the other destinations will see daily flights. Travel times to these cities range from two to three hours, making it a convenient option for residents of Hyogo Prefecture and surrounding areas.
Looking ahead, Kobe Airport aims to establish regular international flights by around 2030, with several foreign airlines already expressing interest in operating scheduled services. The Hyogo Economic Research Institute estimates that the economic impact of international charter flights could generate approximately 10.429 billion yen annually for the local economy, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
In conclusion, the launch of international charter flights at Kobe Airport not only marks a new beginning for the facility but also positions Kobe as a significant player in the regional tourism landscape. As the airport embraces its new identity, it holds the promise of enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the Kansai area, making it an exciting time for travelers and businesses alike.
