Naha Airport’s Runway No. 2 open for use, first flight to land greeted by firehose arch
March 26, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Naha Airport’s No. 2 runway, built by filling in land off the coast, opened for use March 26.
The runway’s first arrival, a flight from Skymark Airlines, touched down at 8:05 a.m., and was greeted by a water arch provided by a pair of firetrucks on either side.
Runway No. 2 runs 2,700 meters in length, with a width of 60 meters. The completion of the new runway will increase the annual flight capacity of Naha Airport from 135,000 to 240,000.
Now, Okinawa will look to establish new air routes with the domestic and international airlines they do business with, increasing the flow of people and goods through the island, which is expected to lead to further growth for the Okinawan economy.
Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, recently there have been a reduction in the number of flights as well as outright suspension of some routes, making for a harsh environment for the opening of the runway, however Okinawa Prefecture and economic organizations plan to strengthen their promotional push once the situation as subsided.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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