Storm-hit Japan airport counts damage; unclear when reopens

The closure of a major Japanese airport flooded by a typhoon is raising worries about the impact on tourist traffic, mostly from China and Southeast Asia, as well as on exporting computer chips and other goods. Kansai International Airport officials said Wednesday they weren't sure when the airport will reopen. Although a damaged runway had been mostly cleared, other equipment to ensure safe flying wasn't operating. Visitors are worried and some are rushing to change flights. About 3,000 passengers stranded at the airport overnight were given blankets and biscuits until they gradually left by boats and buses. The airport served 28m passengers last year, and that number is expected to grow as Japan opens up to tourism in recent years to keep its economy going. <br/>