Japan: Tokyo Haneda slots plan moves forward

Efforts to ease air traffic restrictions over Tokyo are gaining momentum, potentially opening the way for a significant increase in international slots at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Japan’s government held a meeting recently with representatives of local municipalities and community groups which was regarded as a key step in gaining their support. No specific objections were raised by the local bodies, and they indicated they understand the necessity of the plan. The government’s desire to significantly increase airport capacity before the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 has given impetus to the plan. The government has set a goal to increase Japan’s overall visitors to 40m annually by 2020—double the 2015 level. Infrastructure projects at Tokyo Narita Airport will contribute to this goal, as would Haneda’s potential slot gain. One of the main aspects of the Haneda proposal is the creation of a new approach path over central Tokyo which previously has not been allowed. This approach would generally be used when winds are coming from the south. Current approaches are generally over Tokyo Bay. Realignment of some other approach and departure routes is also being considered. Such changes would add 39,000 aircraft movements a year, all of which would be allocated to international flights. This would boost daytime international operations by more than 50% to 99,000 per year.<br/>