Kansai International Airport, also known as Kansai Kokusai Kūkō, is the world's largest airport built on an artificial island. Located 5 km from the shores of Honshu, Japan's largest island, and 28 km from the city of Kobe, it is a perfect example of modern engineering and innovation.
Kansai Airport is located entirely on an artificial island, connected to the mainland by the world's longest two-story bridge, 3.7 km long. Construction works took four years, and the airport opened to passengers on September 12, 1994.
In 2025, it will be the landmark and gateway of Osaka when the city hosts the next World Expo
The terminal building is an impressive 1,700 meters long, making it one of the longest structures in the world. Designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, co-founder of the Pompidou Center in Paris, the terminal combines modern shapes of steel and glass. The structure is resistant to typhoons and earthquakes, which is necessary in a region with such seismic activity. In the first five years after opening, the terminal sank by more than 5 meters, but thanks to advanced technology, computers constantly monitor and correct the height of the 900 supports on which the structure rests.
The Kansai airport construction project faced many challenges from the beginning, the biggest of which was the subsidence of the island. The island is sinking 8 to 10 meters, which is dangerous. The main reason is the weight of the materials used in construction, which causes the seabed to settle. Although this problem was anticipated, its scale turned out to be larger than expected.
To avoid destruction of already completed works, an innovative solution was used. More than one million adjustable piles support the terminal and runways to a depth of almost 80 meters. These piles are connected to an advanced system of hydraulic lifters and sensors that monitor the movement of the piles and allow them to be adjusted to keep the platform balanced. This system is earthquake resistant, which further increases its reliability.
The terminal, designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, was put into operation in 1994. The building, 1.7 km long, is one of the longest in the world and is characterized by a unique, undulating roof that facilitates interior ventilation. To facilitate movement around such a huge facility, a monorail was installed.
The cost of building the terminal exceeded $20 billion, one third more than planned. Most of the costs were covered by the Japanese government. To offset these expenses, one of the world's most expensive landing taxes was introduced, at $24 per tonne, twice the rate at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
Despite financial problems and numerous challenges, Kansai Airport has achieved full capacity. In 2003, an expansion project was started, consisting in the construction of a new artificial island with an area of 535 hectares, slightly larger than the first one. This increased the profitability of the airport, which served 20 million passengers in 2015.
Due to the difficult financial situation of the Kansai region, the decision was made to privatize Itami and Kansai airports in 2016. Since then, they have been managed by a joint venture, which has allowed for financial stabilization and further development of these key facilities.
In July 2007, work on the second terminal and a new runway was completed and opened on August 2. Modern technologies used during the construction of the island and airport allowed for precise placement of loads of sand and debris using computers and satellites.
One of the main reasons for building an airport at sea was the lack of adequate space near large cities. Additionally, this location minimizes airport noise for residents because planes taking off rise above the sea. Thanks to this, the airport can operate 24 hours a day without disturbing anyone.
Osaka Bay, where the island was built, is 20 meters deep. The construction process began with sand being poured onto the seabed, then crushed rocks were added. The weight of the rubble squeezed water from the seabed, allowing solid foundations to be placed on it.
Osaka airport is served by 65 airlines, offering direct connections to 70 destinations in Asia, Oceania and Europe. This makes Kansai a key transport hub in the region.
Kansai International Airport is not only an engineering marvel, but also a symbol of modernity and innovation. The airport, built on an artificial island.
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