By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-25 08:45:12 | Updated at 2026-09-19 12:07:43
3 weeks ago
TOKYO – A new satellite facility with six boarding gates was unveiled Aug 25 at Tokyo’s Haneda airport ahead of its September launch amid growing air travel demand.
The North Satellite Facility of Terminal 1 marks the first large-scale expansion since the terminal’s launch in September 1993. The hybrid structure uses steel and about 1,800 cubic m of timber to reduce its environmental impact, according to Haneda’s operator, Japan Airport Terminal.
The new facility will also increase passenger convenience. Coming with a lounge and a children’s area, it offers self-driving vehicles for help getting around, including “iino,” which can carry up to four people and is available free of charge.
With the Japanese government aiming to raise the number of foreign visitors to 60 million in 2030, Haneda airport users exceeded 90 million in 2025 for the first time. The number of takeoffs and landings reached about 490,000, the upper limit for flight capacity.
Along with the congestion, earlier expansions of terminal buildings have already increased the time required to transport baggage, contributing to flight delays.
Japanese airlines announced earlier in August that starting September, they will require baggage for domestic flights to be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure, instead of 20 minutes beforehand, to reduce delays.
Kumiko Saito, an executive officer of Japan Airlines, said at the pre-opening press event on Aug 25: “Since the distance from the security checkpoint will increase, Haneda airport passengers will need to arrive earlier to complete check-in procedures, and we would like to ask for understanding and cooperation to ensure timely departures.” KYODO NEWS
