Tokyo

Japan’s transport ministry will revise its basic plan for Narita International Airport for the first time in 53 years, aiming to increase the number of flights departing from and arriving at the airport near Tokyo, transport minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said Tuesday.

Under the revision, a new 3,500-meter Runway C will be constructed in parallel with existing Runway A and Runway B, after the envisaged expansion of the airport's site to 2,600 hectares from the initially planned some 1,060 hectares.

Runway C was originally planned to serve as an alternative runway in the event of strong crosswinds under the basic plan, compiled in 1966 before the opening of the airport in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo.

The planned revision comes after the ministry obtained consent from the Chiba prefectural government and local municipalities in March last year. Under the revised plan, existing Runway B will be extended to 3,500 meters from 2,500 meters.

The ministry plans to complete construction work mainly for relevant runways as early as 2030.

The new basic plan will also stipulate steady efforts to prevent problems stemming from aircraft noise and improve the living environment of local residents.

Jiji Press