Mar 14 (Japan Times) - The operator of Narita airport agreed Tuesday with the Chiba Prefectural Government, surrounding municipalities and the transport ministry on a plan to expand the hours for landings and takeoffs in bid to enhance the functions of the international gateway - but some nearby residents are concerned about increased noise.
It would mark the first time the airport will extend the time allowed for incoming and outgoing flights since its opening in 1978. On top of the 2½ hour extension, the parties also agreed to build a third runway at the airport.
The new flight hours will increase the annual number of takeoff and landing slots from the current 300,000 to 500,000. The new schedule will see flights from 5 a.m. at the earliest to 12:30 a.m. at the latest.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in the city of Chiba by representatives from the prefectural government, nine municipalities including Narita, the transport ministry and Narita International Airport Corp.
With the new plan, the ministry hopes to increase the number of flights, expand routes and improve the airport's competitiveness. The ministry also aims to allow aircraft to fly over central Tokyo around Haneda airport, the country's other international gateway.
Designating the tourism industry as a key growth strategy, the government aims to attract 40 million overseas visitors annually by 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympics and Paralympics. The goal by 2030 is 60 million visitors.
Source: ANNnewsCH
