Kobe Airport Launches First International Flights to Five Asian Cities

Apr 19, 2025 | News On Japan

KOBE - Kobe Airport has launched its first regular international charter flights since opening in 2006, connecting the city with five major Asian destinations—Incheon in South Korea, Taipei and Taichung in Taiwan, and Shanghai and Nanjing in China—with a total of 40 round-trip flights per week.

While the move is expected to bring significant economic benefits—an estimated 10.4 billion yen—the expansion has also highlighted a longstanding issue: access to the airport.

Currently, the only rail connection to Kobe Airport is the Port Liner, which takes 18 minutes from Sannomiya Station. However, during rush hour, the trains are already heavily crowded.

A reporter at the station described the scene: "The train has arrived, and passengers are squeezing in. It's packed to the limit."

The influx of international travelers carrying large suitcases during peak commuting hours could add to the congestion. Although a dedicated airport bus service exists as a congestion countermeasure, its low public awareness remains a concern.

Source: KTV NEWS

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